Innocence Seekers: April Light/Chapter 1/Episode 10

This is the tenth episode, "Before the Storm" (嵐の前), of the first chapter of Innocence Seekers: April Light.

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Episode text
Orbiting Earth were two Namari spaceships: the Himiko, and the Amaterasu. The Amaterasu was undergoing repair, while the Himiko had just arrived from Murgin. The two ships were docked together.

In the Amaterasu's docking port:

–Ishizuka: Ah, you're back, Kaede. How were things on Murgin?

–Kaede: It was a complete success. The World Orbs are safe. Although Aoi's device was destroyed in the battle.

–Ishizuka: I see. Kaede, is Hiyori going to create a new device for Aoi?

–Kaede: She is. However, she'll need my device as a template, and I intend to assist her.

–Ishizuka: Well, in some ways you and Aoi are similar. Anyway, let's head in.

–Kaede: Okay.

The two headed towards the door leading to the Amaterasu's hallway. On the way, Kaede turned around and waved her hand. Himawari, who was standing on the other side, waved back.

In the Amaterasu&#39;s CIC, Fukuyama was reading through the damage reports. In some ways she was glad the Himiko came, as they had the spare parts which the Amaterasu needed. Some of the crew members were performing EVAs to repair the damage taken during the battle in orbit around Haralni, while other crew members stayed behind to wait for further orders.

Suddenly, the door opened. It was Ishizuka and Kaede.

–Fukuyama: Ah, Tomomi, you're back.

–Ishizuka: How are the repairs going?

–Fukuyama: There are currently no problems with the repairs.

–Ishizuka: Have we received any orders from higher-up?

–Fukuyama: Not at the moment. Right now, we're just going to stay near Earth. However, we're still on the lookout for any Donsilan ships.

–Kaede: Umm, Fukuyama, the princess asked me to tell you that the Amaterasu is to remain in orbit around Earth after the repairs are finished. She also issued the same order to the Himiko.

–Fukuyama: Understood.

–Ishizuka: Anyway, we'll be off.

Ishizuka and Kaede left.

–Radar operator: Captain, unidentified ship approaching!

–Fukuyama: Give me more information on this ship.

–Radar operator: It appears to be two light hours away, and with its current velocity and acceleration it is expected to reach Earth in around 24 hours.

–Fukuyama: Can you identify the ship?

–Radar operator: Unfortunately, no.

–Radio operator: Captain, we've received a message from the unidentified ship. It appears to be readable.

–Fukuyama: What does it say?

–Radio operator: It's in English. Captain, can you read it out?

The message appeared on the viewscreen.

–Fukuyama: Let's see... "We are the Donsilans. Unlike the ones you have fought, we do not intend to fight or oppose you. However, we are here because the galaxy is in danger right now. As of now, a splinter faction has, in fear of a cataclysm which will affect the galaxy, attempted to take the World Orbs. It appears that they have found out about their defeats and have decided to send their own ships to the galaxy. We estimate that their small fleet of six ships will arrive in Earth's solar system in 14 days. Of course, we have sent our own fleet to help you; they are currently in orbit around Mars, and the ship which has sent this message will approach Earth." That's what the message says.

–Radio operator: So, should we trust them?

–Fukuyama: I'll leave that to the higher-ups. Radio the Himiko.

–Radio operator: Yes, Captain!

On the street just outside the Furusaka Shrine in Tokyo, a red magic circle appeared out of nowhere. The glowing figure of a young girl appeared in the middle of the circle, before both the glow and the circle faded to reveal the girl.

–Girl: So... this is the humans' homeworld...

The girl noticed the shrine.

–Girl: Ah, so that's where I'm supposed to go.

The girl entered the shrine. She saw Inori sitting alone.

–Inori: Do I know you?

–Girl: Ah, no. It's my first time on this planet.

–Inori: I see. Well, why are you here?

–Girl: I wish to speak to Kaori Otohane.

–Inori: Unfortunately, Otohane is not in this shrine. If you just want to leave her a message, you can tell me.

–Girl: It's something I wish to discuss with her directly. However, I can wait here, if it's okay.

–Inori: By all means.

The girl sat down opposite Inori. Several minutes of awkward silence followed. Eventually, there was activity, in the form of Mirai entering the shrine.

–Mirai: Ah, Inori, who's the girl?

–Inori: Mirai, she came here because she wanted to discuss something with Otohane.

–Mirai: I see.

–Girl: Umm...

–Inori: What is it?

–Girl: Can I ask your names?

–Inori: Ah, right, I haven't introduced myself. I'm Inori Akagawa, and this is Mirai Aooka. By the way, what's your name?

–Girl: ...

–Mirai: You... don't know your own name?

–Girl: That's not it. It's just that I can't really say my real name, lest someone mispronounce it, and mispronouncing one's name is taboo in my culture.

–Mirai: I see. Then, what should we call you?

–Girl: ... Kanade.

–Mirai: Kanade, nice to meet you.

–Inori: Wait, Kanade, are you by any chance a Donsilan?

–Kanade: Yes, I am.

–Inori: So that's why you won't say your real name. From the Donsilans we already know, one had lost her memories, and the other explained this real name issue.

–Kanade: So you know Lyra and Melody?

–Mirai: Do you know them?

–Kanade: I know of them. We never met, though. However...

Kanade took out a pendant.

–Kanade: ... those two should have pendants similar to this one.

–Inori: Ah, so you're one of the girls tasked with finding the four magical girls linked to the April Light.

–Kanade: That's correct. The girl I'm searching for has a blue magic colour.

–Mirai: So, yellow, green and blue. Inori, do you have any idea?

–Inori: No. The four magical girls could be Uzuki's group, but it could instead include you. As far as we know, they could be anyone.

–Kanade: More clues will come to us over time. Now, there's something really urgent I'd like to say. Could you pass this on to Otohane?

–Inori: We will.

–Kanade: The faction which sent Melody to this galaxy, and which has attempted to take the World Orbs, is sending a fleet to Earth. Unlike the previous battles, these won't be alien ships; instead they're Donsilan ships, straight from our extragalactic colony.

–Mirai: Then, that means...

–Inori: We know the Donsilans' capabilities are far greater than ours. Kanade, is there any way we can defeat them?

–Kanade: Yes. However, you will need our help. We have already stationed our own fleet in the solar system; they will be part of Earth's defence.

–Inori: So, you're helping us?

–Kanade: Yes. In 14 days, the enemy will arrive. However, we are confident that we can win.

–Mirai: 14 days? I think that's plenty of time to prepare. Alright, Kanade, I will inform everyone.

–Kanade: Okay.

–Mirai: In the mean time, do you have a place to stay?

–Kanade: No. Well, I was on a ship, but... my superiors told me that I should remain on Earth.

–Mirai: Well, then...

Sumire entered the shrine. Accompanying her was Uzuki.

–Mirai: Ah, Shiba-senpai. You're here.

–Sumire: Mirai... who's the girl?

–Kanade: Ah, let me introduce myself. I am a Donsilan.

–Sumire: A Donsilan?

–Uzuki: Ah, so you're like Lyra, right?

–Kanade: In many ways, we are similar. You can call me Kanade.

–Uzuki: Nice to meet you, Kanade.

–Sumire: I'm Sumire Shiba, and this is Uzuki Miyana.

–Kanade: Nice to meet you too. Wait... Uzuki?

–Uzuki: What about me?

–Kanade: Uzuki... I really needed to speak to you.

–Uzuki: Eh? What for?

–Kanade: Come with me.

Kanade grabbed Uzuki's wrist and took her outside.

–Uzuki: W-What are you...

Kanade took Uzuki behind the shrine.

–Kanade: Uzuki, the Donsilans wish to speak to you.

–Uzuki: Why?

–Kanade: Well, they said that you alone are capable of destroying spaceships. They know what happened on Haralni.

–Uzuki: Ah, that. To be honest, I never knew I had such a powerful Inherent Ability, and the only time I used it, my body couldn't handle it.

–Kanade: But now you can. Uzuki, we need you.

–Uzuki: Kanade... I think you're pushing me too much.

–Kanade: Ah, I'm sorry. If you feel uncomfortable, just say so.

–Uzuki: But... I'll fight alongside all of you. Just as I have done with the others before.

–Kanade: So, you'll come with me?

–Uzuki: To where?

–Kanade: To my ship. My superiors want to speak to you.

–Uzuki: I...

Suddenly Wakaba leapt from the roof of the shrine down to where Uzuki and Kanade were.

–Wakaba: I'll go in Uzuki's place.

–Uzuki: Wakaba, just how long have you been on the roof?

–Wakaba: For pretty much the entire time.

–Kanade: Then you must've heard our entire conversation. I was planning on asking you and your friends to come as well.

–Wakaba: I see. We'll come.

–Uzuki: Wait, Wakaba, the others aren't here.

–Wakaba: Oh, but they are. Ah, there's Aoi.

Wakaba pointed towards Aoi, who was walking towards them.

–Aoi: This seems urgent, so I think it's imperative that we go.

–Wakaba: Huh? Where's Benio?

–Aoi: She ran off right after we arrived. Did you really not notice that, Wakaba?

Suddenly, Benio leapt from the roof and landed right on top of Wakaba.

–Benio: Ehehe...

–Wakaba: Benio! Why did you do that?! You could've hurt me, you know.

–Benio: Are you just going to whine every time I play with you?

–Wakaba: This isn't 'playing'!

–Aoi: You two, cut it out!

–Benio: Ah, sorry, Aoi.

–Uzuki: Seriously, I don't see how that is fun. Wakaba clearly doesn't like it.

Benio stood back up.

–Benio: Anyway, it's important, right?

–Kanade: Yes, it is. I suppose that now everyone's here, we can go.

–Uzuki: You mean, right now?

–Kanade: Yes.

–Uzuki: But how do we get to your ship? There aren't any shuttles around.

–Kanade: I teleported here. Of course, you humans need to use shuttles, since you have trouble with accuracy, but we Donsilans can teleport very accurately even at light-hour distances.

Kanade began to cast a spell, and a red magic circle appeared beneath her feet. All five girls began to be enveloped in a red glow, before suddenly disappearing.

On board the Donsilan ship:

–Uzuki: So this is your ship...

–Aoi: Compared to this, the Amaterasu seems crude.

–Wakaba: Kanade, you're not the only one from this ship, right?

–Kanade: Of course not! What gave you the idea that I came alone?

–Benio: Anyway... wait, is that Himawari?

The girls turned towards where Benio was pointing. It was Himawari.

–Uzuki: Himawari!

Himawari turned towards the girls.

–Himawari: Ah, Uzuki, you're all here.

–Aoi: What are you doing here?

–Himawari: I came here to talk strategy. After all, in 14 days, the enemy will arrive, and we need to prepare for that.

–Aoi: Do the others already know?

–Himawari: I'm not sure; we only just received the news.

A familiar voice called out to the girls.

–Louise: We already know. As for the others, the news is spreading very quickly.

The girls turned towards Louise. Beside her were Lyra and Melody.

–Louise: Himawari, we don't know how long this will go for, but we must play our part in ensuring our success. Uzuki, I know you've only just started helping us, but... we need you. Everyone needs you.

–Uzuki: Louise... am I some sort of chosen one? I am willing to help you, but regardless, I feel that too much responsibility is being put on my shoulders.

–Melody: Well, it's only going to get tougher from here.

–Uzuki: Wait, who are you?

–Melody: Ah, you can call me Melody.

–Louise: She was the girl we fought earlier.

–Uzuki: Wait, is it really okay to have her around?

–Melody: Don't you trust me, Uzuki? I didn't attack your friends because I wanted to.

–Aoi: She might seem arrogant, but Melody is actually a nice person. Besides, it wasn't her choice to help our enemy.

–Uzuki: But still...

–Lyra: It'll be fine, Uzuki.

–Melody: Anyway, Uzuki, I've heard quite a bit about you from my superiors.

–Uzuki: Do the Donsilans really know that much about me? How do they find out? Do they have observers everywhere?

–Kanade: News spreads fast within and between the colonies.

–Melody: Yeah, they were saying things about how you nearly destroyed an entire spaceship alone.

–Himawari: That's not far off from the truth, actually...

–Melody: Come to think about it... Kanade?

–Kanade: You only just noticed, Melody?

Melody ran towards Kanade, only to be yanked back by an invisible cord attached to a small magic circle beside Louise.

–Louise: Sorry, Melody, but I've been ordered not to let you go freely.

–Melody: Ah, right.

–Kanade: Anyway, everyone, follow me.

Kanade headed towards the CIC of the ship. The rest of the girls followed.

The girls entered the CIC.

–Captain: Ah, welcome back, Kanade. And I see that you've brought the ones we've requested to board this ship.

–Kanade: Captain, the humans have also brought two of the other girls tasked with searching for the four magical girls.

–Captain: I see. Melody, can you step forward?

–Melody: Yes.

Melody stepped forward.

–Captain: Now, I've heard that you were sent by the enemy to take the World Orbs on Murgin. Is that correct?

–Melody: Yes.

–Captain: Tell me. Do you know why the enemy is after the World Orbs?

–Melody: I do not know. All I know is that it may have something to do with the April Light.

–Captain: The April Light... Melody, you know your role in the search for the April Light, am I correct?

–Melody: Yes.

–Captain: Then I have some additional information to give to you regarding the search. Lyra, Kanade, please listen as well.

–Lyra: Yes.

–Kanade: I'm listening.

–Captain: At the moment, you only have one clue. The girls you are searching for have the same magic colour as the glow your pendants emitted. You will not receive any more clues unless you have them interact with their respective World Orbs, on specific planets.

–Kanade: So, the only way we can find the four magical girls is... to find the World Orbs, right?

–Captain: That is correct.

–Lyra: But which set of World Orbs should we find?

–Captain: There are five specific sets of World Orbs you should find. Four of them belong to the main planets of humanity. The fifth set is located on the Donsilan homeworld.

–Melody: Wait, what do you mean by the main planets of humanity?

–Louise: Earth. Ocypsa. Fuenod. Elrodom. Those four are the main planets of humanity. Melody, remember that.

–Melody: Ah, okay.

–Captain: Well, since we're already near Earth, I think we should start our search here. However, there is the matter of the enemy fleet which will arrive in 14 days.

–Himawari: Ah, I wanted to speak to you about that. And besides, searching for the World Orbs can wait until we find the fourth girl tasked with the search.

–Captain: Indeed; searching for the April Light is currently not an urgent task.

–Uzuki: But, before that, where exactly is the Donsilan homeworld?

–Himawari: Uzuki, as far as we know, it's not on the waystone network. As a matter of fact, most of the galaxy has yet to be explored.

–Captain: The World Orbs of the main planets will guide you to the Donsilan homeworld, Uzuki. Until then, focus on the task at hand.

–Uzuki: Ah, okay.

–Himawari: Anyway, how large is our fleet?

–Captain: Currently, we have ten ships. Their fleet is only six ships. Therefore, we currently outnumber them. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that they will send ground forces.

–Himawari: Then I will inform the other nations about the impending threat. We're still unsure whether we can repel a full invasion, given the devastation caused by Gakran three years ago.

–Aoi: Himawari, that was when Earth was largely ignorant of magic. We're much better prepared this time.

–Louise: Earth's combined military forces have improved quite a lot in the intervening years. I'm sure they can cope.

–Captain: Not only that, but we have you.

Everyone looked at Uzuki.

–Uzuki: Me?

–Melody: Ah, right, your Inherent Ability. We could use a starship killer like you, Uzuki.

–Uzuki: 'Starship killer'? Is everyone relying on me now?

–Lyra: Uzuki, no one's forcing you to help us.

–Uzuki: I know that. I want to help, but your expectations are too high.

–Captain: Well, there are very few magical girls with Inherent Abilities like yours, Uzuki. We've observed your battle on Haralni, and we've concluded that something like that can take down a Donsilan ship.

–Uzuki: Then why don't you have my sister help?

–Himawari: Mutsuki? We'd like to, but... she's no longer a magical girl. Even if a mage was formerly a magical girl, she is still as vulnerable to death as a normal being. Uzuki, we're specifically asking for your help because you are a magical girl, and magical girls cannot be killed easily.

–Uzuki: I said that I will help anyway, it's just that you should not overestimate my abilities, or my skill.

–Benio: Uzuki, with that attitude, you aren't going to surpass your sister, or Akari for that matter.

–Wakaba: Don't say that, Benio. Uzuki is clearly uncomfortable with the high expectations laid on her.

–Kanade: Well, regardless of our expectations, we need to defeat the enemy. We have 14 days to prepare, so let's begin. Captain, do you have a strategy?

–Captain: Wha- Kanade, I'm not the admiral. This ship was only sent here to communicate with the humans.

–Himawari: Then, can you take me to the flagship of your fleet?

–Captain: I need to authorise such a transfer, so please wait. You're the princess of Namari, am I correct?

–Himawari: That's correct; my name is Himawari.

–Captain: Then I'll make arrangements for you to meet the admiral.

–Louise: I'll come too; I'm a princess as well.

–Captain: Okay, then. Kanade, you are to stay on Earth. Uzuki, please take good care of Kanade; she's earnest, but a tad shy and introverted.

–Kanade: Captain!

–Benio: I was watching your interaction... or rather, non-interaction, with Inori. It was a bit funny seeing you two just sit there, not saying a word.

–Wakaba: Benio!

–Uzuki: Anyway, what about Lyra and Melody?

–Louise: Lyra, take Melody back to Melbourne.

–Lyra: Okay. At Natasha's mansion, right?

–Louise: Yes.

–Uzuki: I guess we should get going now. See you later.

–Louise: See you later, Uzuki.

Uzuki and the other girls left the CIC, leaving Himawari and Louise.

End of Episode 10

Next episode preview
–Uzuki: It looks like a huge battle is coming up. I wonder, are we prepared for this?

–Aoi: We're fully prepared. There's no need to worry, Uzuki.

–Benio: We're ready to bring the fight to them! It's time to show them what humanity is capable of!

–Wakaba: Benio, this is only the first chapter; don't treat it as if it were the final battle.

–Uzuki: Anyway, this battle will potentially set the path the war will take next. We cannot afford to lose. I'll do my best as well.

–Benio: Oh, it's not that often you see Uzuki getting fired up. Seeing her like that makes me want to give my all as well.

–Wakaba: Well, if we lose, it could be the end. That's why I'm not going to falter.

–Aoi: Right, then... for victory!

–Everyone: Yes!

–Uzuki: Next time on Innocence Seekers: April Light, Episode 11: "Battle of Earth". Be sure not to miss it!

–Aoi: Everyone, let's go!

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