Innocence Seekers: April Light/Chapter 3/Episode 40
This is the sixteenth episode, "The Demon and the Vampire, Part 2" (悪魔と吸血鬼、後編), of the third chapter of Innocence Seekers: April Light.
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Episode text
The girls ran deeper into the cavern, in search of the air-elemental World Orb. Aoi was lagging behind, as she entered the cavern later than the other girls, and eventually, someone took hold of her wrist.
–Aoi: ?
Aoi turned around, and noticed the same witch who was fighting outside.
–Aoi: Wait, why are you here? Shouldn't you be fighting off the vampires outside? And who are you anyway?
The witch responded.
–Clone Victoria: I am Victoria, and I'm a witch by blood. Actually, though, I'm just a clone of her.
–Aoi: A clone?
–Clone Victoria: That's right. My original is fighting alongside the Black Rose, and that princess. Anyway...
–Aoi: I need to head to the World Orb with the others.
–Clone Victoria: They'll be fine without you. Anyway, Alcea has taken an interest in you.
–Aoi: Wait, why? Why me?
–Clone Victoria: That I do not know. But I'm sure you're aware that Alcea's desire to see humanity wiped out isn't because she wants to wipe out humanity.
–Aoi: It's to defeat Pablo.
–Clone Victoria: That's right. Anyway, I will tell you what Alcea has not told anyone at all before, other than my original. Her Inherent Ability is Life Crusher, and its effect is, when activated, to kill whatever she touches with her bare hands.
–Aoi: And I'm guessing it's effective against demons, right?
–Clone Victoria: That's right. However, it is only effective if she does not have her mage outfit activated, and if the target is completely unprotected.
–Aoi: I can see the problem now. How are you supposed to even touch such a powerful demon without protection?
–Clone Victoria: Aoi... I'd like to ask about your own Inherent Ability.
–Aoi: Mine?
–Clone Victoria: That's right. Blossom of Ruin, is it?
–Aoi: Ah, that's right. It is a potentially powerful Inherent Ability, but if I were to lose control, then...
–Clone Victoria: It's clear that you haven't realised the true potential of your Inherent Ability. Superficially, it resembles the mana collection spells your friend uses, but that flower absorbs more than just mana.
–Aoi: What do you mean?
–Clone Victoria: Every Inherent Ability has a hidden element. However, it is up to you to find out what that hidden element is, but once you do, you'll be able to perform an exceptionally powerful technique, an Ultimate Skill.
–Aoi: Ultimate Skill?
–Clone Victoria: It was an Ultimate Skill that defeated Gakran in the first place. You see, the Inherent Ability Eternal Stream is said to ensure that the one who possesses it is unaffected by alterations in the flow of time. However, its hidden element is that it can itself alter the flow of time, and by doing so force spacetime to pile up at a particular point. That is the essence of Akari's Ultimate Skill, Time Dam.
–Aoi: I... never knew that. But, if one possesses something that powerful, then...
–Clone Victoria: The use of an Ultimate Skill is extremely limited. While Full Burst mode is a requirement, you must also activate your Innocence... and allow a divine being to temporarily inhabit your body.
–Aoi: What do you mean?
–Clone Victoria: Do you know what happened to Uzuki when she fought Alcea?
–Aoi: Ah, now that you mention it, Tamaki did mention something about being possessed by a divine being.
–Clone Victoria: However, allowing a divine being to inhabit one's body is one thing. Being possessed by one is another. Aoi, out of the four of you, Alcea believes that you're the one most capable of retaining self-control when you allow a divine being to enter your body.
–Aoi: Me?
–Clone Victoria: That's right. However, Alcea wants to test you first. While this vampire thing is completely unrelated, I believe that this is the perfect test for you.
–Aoi: But... what about the others?
From deep within the cavern emerged Wakaba, who was carrying the World Orb.
–Aoi: Ah, that was quick.
–Wakaba: Apparently, the magical girl we're looking for... is capable of ignoring any and all defences.
–Aoi: Is that so? Wait, green magic colour, wind magic... could that magical girl be you, Wakaba?
–Wakaba: You know, my Inherent Ability isn't unique. But I have to admit, it does sound a lot like me. Anyway, may I speak to the clone?
–Clone Victoria: Eh? What is it?
–Wakaba: First of all, how is the situation back on the surface?
–Clone Victoria: Well... it's not going very well.
–Aoi: What?!
–Clone Victoria: For some reason, the vampires have gained even more power. I'm not exactly sure, but I believe that a demon is responsible for all of this.
Suddenly, a small fox-like creature appeared and approached the girls.
–Clone Victoria: Hm? What is it? I see.
The fox-like creature left.
–Clone Victoria: It appears that my original is in dire straits. Come on, let's hurry to the surface!
–Aoi: Ah, right!
The three headed back up to the surface.
When they emerged from the cavern, the three girls noticed Victoria lying on the ground, severely injured. Wakaba ran up to her.
–Wakaba: Are you okay?
–Victoria: Who... are you?
–Wakaba: I'm Wakaba, one of Uzuki's friends. You know about Uzuki, right?
–Victoria: Wakaba... head back inside the cavern. It's... too dangerous here.
–Wakaba: No. And besides, you're terribly hurt. Here, let me take care of you.
A green magic circle appeared beneath Wakaba's feet.
–Wakaba: O sacred spirits, breathe the essence of life unto this stricken one, and mend her wounds.
Victoria began to be enveloped in a green light. Within seconds, her wounds began to heal, and after a minute, she was completely healed.
–Victoria: Wakaba... why are you helping me? You know about my association with Alcea, right?
–Wakaba: That I do not care. The fact is that we're being attacked by vampires right now, and that we need to deal with them first. Then we'll talk.
–Victoria: Right. Aoi, Wakaba, the vampires seem to be growing in strength even as we speak. It won't be long until nightfall, so we need to take care of them before then.
–Clone Victoria: Aoi, as I said, this is the perfect test for you.
–Aoi: Wait, are you saying that I should face this entire army alone?
–Clone Victoria: No, I will be with you all the way. In fact, let's unison.
–Aoi: Wait, aren't we supposed to be contracted to each other in order to invoke unison? And aren't you just a clone, anyway?
–Victoria: Actually, demons and witches can unison with any mage. It's just that a contract grants additional benefits to unison. And, no, unison isn't limited to originals. Aoi, even though we have high compatibility, my loyalty is still with Alcea, so I have no interest in forming a contract. However, I will lend you some of my strength through the clone.
–Aoi: Ah, okay.
–Clone Victoria: Aoi, are you ready?
–Aoi: I'm ready.
–Clone Victoria: Alright, then. Let us focus our minds on each other.
–Aoi: Okay.
The two began to focus. A large blue magic circle appeared beneath both of them.
–Aoi: Unison!
Suddenly, there was a bright flash of blue light. When the glow died down, the clone was nowhere to be seen; in her place was a spear which Aoi was holding.
–Wakaba: So that is what unison is like...
–Victoria: However, the unison is incomplete.
–Wakaba: What do you mean?
–Victoria: Aoi is still herself, and has taken very little of my clone's traits. In fact, you could say that my clone has transformed into a weapon. If you compare to the Demon Princess's unison...
–Wakaba: Despite that, Aoi's power output has vastly increased.
Wakaba took out a device and pointed it at Aoi.
–Victoria: Is that device...
–Wakaba: This device measures the mana output of whatever it is pointed at. And from these readings, it appears that Aoi's maximum mana output has more than doubled. It's now giving a reading of around 2,400.
–Victoria: That's comparable to mine...
–Wakaba: Of course, power isn't everything. We all know that.
–Victoria: Of course. Anyway, I'll be heading back up to fight again. Wakaba, guard the cavern.
–Wakaba: Right.
Victoria flew back up and engaged the vampire army.
–Wakaba: Well, it's time for me to jump into the fray.
Wakaba took out her bow, and aimed it towards the vampire army. She let loose a single magic arrow, which split mid-flight into thousands that struck the vampires.
Uzuki emerged from a side entrance to the location of the World Orb, and saw from a distance the battle against the vampire army. She also noticed that the sun was very close to the western horizon.
–Uzuki: We don't have much time... Uzuki began to fly towards the vampire army, intent on engaging it in battle.
–Uzuki: <Tama-chan, there isn't much time left. The sun is very low in the sky right now.>
–Tamaki: <Got it. Uzuki, go and help the others. Benio and I will try to figure out something.>
–Uzuki: <Okay.>
After a while, Uzuki reached the location of the battle. In the distance she saw Victoria, who was struggling against the vampires. Almost instinctively, she sped towards Victoria.
One of the vampires managed to strike Victoria, sending her hurtling towards the ground. Another vampire approached from below and attempted an attack, only for the attack to be blocked by someone familiar to both Uzuki and Victoria. At that moment, Uzuki arrived.
–Uzuki: Ah, are you okay?
–Victoria: Somehow... but who was it?
Uzuki looked towards the one who saved Victoria.
–Uzuki: Wait... Erelia, what are you doing here?
–Erelia: I heard that there was a vampire attack here, and that you were here, so I rushed here to see what was going on. It seems I came just in time to save my master.
–Uzuki: Ah, okay. Wait, "master"?
–Victoria: Uzuki, let me explain first. Erelia, the witch with whom you've formed a contract, is one of my apprentices. There are four in total, and Berdela, the witch who attacked your school a while ago, is another.
–Uzuki: But how did you come about to know each other?
–Victoria: Well... Alcea hand-picked my apprentices. She told me to search for them, and train them.
–Uzuki: Wait... Erelia, have you met Alcea at all before.
–Erelia: No. What little I know of her my master told me.
–Victoria: Anyway, we need to take care of these vampires.
–Uzuki: Right. Erelia, let's unison.
–Erelia: Wait, Uzuki, I don't know how we can invoke unison.
–Victoria: Just focus your minds on each other, and become one.
–Erelia: You make it sound so simple, Master.
–Victoria: Well, it is. Just use telepathy if you're having trouble.
–Erelia: Ah, right.
Uzuki and Erelia began to focus. A massive yellow magic circle appeared beneath them.
–Uzuki & Erelia: Unison!
With a bright flash of yellow light, the two initiated unison. When the glow died down, Erelia was nowhere to be seen. Uzuki was holding what appeared to be a sword whose blade was made of yellow light, the product of the unison. Additionally, her mage outfit was significantly altered.
–Erelia: <Uzuki, I think I know where the commander of the army may be. Let's head there and confront him.>
–Uzuki: Right.
Uzuki began to head deep within the vampire army's formation, fighting off any vampires who attempted to stop her. Eventually, they spotted the commander of the army.
–Uzuki: Is that...
–Erelia: <That's right. He is the commander of this army, a demon by the name of Krudal.>
–Uzuki: You know him?
–Erelia: <A bit. He was a Demon Lord who served under my father, the Overlord of a far-flung Netherworld in this galaxy. However, he betrayed my father, precisely because my father tried to make peace with the humans during the Gakran incident of a thousand years ago.>
–Uzuki: I see. So why is he attacking now?
–Erelia: <That I do not know. My father never told me much about Krudal, and it was clear that he never wanted me or my sister involved in this. But anyway, we need to take care of him first.>
–Uzuki: Right!
Uzuki charged straight towards the demon and attacked him; however, her attack was blocked.
–Uzuki: Eh?
–Krudal: Hmhmhm.... Fool!
With a single blast of dark energy, Krudal sent Uzuki hurtling back in the direction she came from. Uzuki managed to recover, but was considerably hurt by the attack.
–Uzuki: He's strong...
–Erelia: <Uzuki, even when unisoned, there's still a bit too much of a power gap between us and him.>
–Uzuki: Regardless of the power difference, I'm sure we'll find a way to beat him.
Suddenly, Krudal appeared and swung his axe towards Uzuki. Uzuki somehow managed to get out of the way.
–Uzuki: Bloom, my flower!
With a massive burst of yellow light, Uzuki entered Full Burst mode.
–Krudal: Hmhmhm.... do you think that will help you win?
Krudal again fired a blast of dark energy straight towards Uzuki, who responded by slicing it, causing it to dissipate.
–Uzuki: The same trick won't work twice against me, demon. So what is it that you want here?
–Krudal: Why should I tell you, human? But I see that you have that foolish Overlord's younger daughter with you.
–Erelia: <Krudal... why did you attack this place? Do you truly want to see humanity suffer?>
–Krudal: Oh, how naïve you are. Why should we demons treat such an inferior race as humans as equals? Although, I guess it doesn't matter, since the blood of humans flows within you. I'll just take care of you later, once I'm done with the human.
–Uzuki: You won't defeat me that easily!
Uzuki fired a barrage of bolts at Krudal, only for Krudal to effortlessly block all of them. Krudal responded by sending a barrage of magic bullets towards Uzuki, who responded by putting up a barrier. However, the barrier shattered, and Uzuki ended up getting hit by some of the bullets. In response, Uzuki began to cast a massive spell. Electricity began to envelop her sword.
–Uzuki: Secret Skill, Divine Lightning!
Uzuki swung her sword straight at Krudal, who put up a shield in response. However, the impact of the sword shattered the shield almost immediately, and the blade struck Krudal. The strike itself did a fair amount of damage; however, that was not all the attack offered. Suddenly, a massive bolt of lightning traversed the path the sword took, striking Krudal and dealing even more damage.
–Erelia: <Did we do it?>
–Uzuki: No. As powerful as my attack was, that still wasn't enough to defeat him.
Suddenly, Krudal struck Uzuki so hard that she was flung to the ground at incredible speed.
–Erelia: <Uzuki! Are you okay?>
–Uzuki: Urgh...
–Erelia: <Uzuki!>
–Uzuki: Erelia...
Krudal approached Uzuki, who was lying on the ground, badly injured.
–Krudal: Was that all you've got? Well, it looks like it'll be an easy job to kill you.
–Erelia: <Uzuki!>
Krudal unleashed a massive burst of dark energy straight towards Uzuki, who was unable to do anything to defend herself. After the attack died down, Uzuki was unconscious, and Erelia found herself beside Uzuki.
–Erelia: Uzuki! Wake up!
–Krudal: Erelia, was it? Well, you should perish the thought of her waking up. For I will use my demonic power to end her life!
–Erelia: No.... NO!
Erelia attacked Krudal, only for Krudal to swipe her away.
–Krudal: Die!
Krudal gathered a ball of demonic energy into his hands, and shaped it into a knife. He then thrust the dark knife straight towards Uzuki's heart, only for the attack to be blocked.
–Krudal: Who.... Who's there?!
A familiar voice called out.
–Voice: Demon. This isn't your abode. Now back away before I kill you. I will not let you lay a hand on that girl!
–Erelia: Who... who are you?
The figure who blocked Krudal's attack emerged from a tree. It was Alcea, which amazed not only Erelia, but also Victoria, who was helplessly watching from a distance.
–Erelia: You... you're...
–Alcea: I am Alcea. I guess this is the first time we've met, Erelia. I have many things to speak to you about, but we need to take care of this demon first. Erelia, please tend to Uzuki; I will handle the demon.
–Erelia: Ah, okay.
Erelia ran towards Uzuki.
–Krudal: You have a lot of nerve interrupting my finishing blow, human.
–Alcea: Human? Oh please, you intend to compare me to those inferiors?
–Krudal: Then... what are you?
–Alcea: I am a Donsilan, plain and simple. Now let me tell you that this galaxy belongs not to miscreants like you, but to my race. We Donsilans will take back what is rightfully ours, and we will crush all resistance.
–Krudal: Hmph! Say what you will. That doesn't change the fact that you, like the others, are mortals, and mortals are beneath us demons.
–Alcea: We care not what evil thinks of us. Have you ever thought why most of your kind simply accepted having a witch as the Supreme Overlord?
–Krudal: I don't. One day, I will take down Avala and her sister, and become Supreme Overlord myself!
–Alcea: Hmph! A tall order, for someone as weak as you.
–Krudal: What did you say?!
Krudal immediately attacked Alcea, only for his attack to be blocked. Alcea counterattacked, with her sword shattering the shield Krudal put up and striking him, sending him flying backwards.
Meanwhile, Erelia was trying to get Uzuki to wake up, to no avail. Victoria approached her.
–Victoria: Erelia, it's no use. Her injuries are quite severe, and it'd be best to take her to a hospital.
–Erelia: I know. But...
–Victoria: It can't be helped. I knew that Krudal was stronger than a Demon Lord, but from what I've seen, that strength is fairly close to that of an Overlord.
–Erelia: Then... did we ever stand a chance?
–Victoria: Of course, strength isn't everything. After all, heroes wouldn't exist if that were the case. It's clear to me that you two need a lot more training. At the moment, you're nowhere near being able to match us in a straight fight.
–Erelia: Wait, what do you mean by 'us'?
–Victoria: One day... you and Uzuki will fight me and Alcea.
–Erelia: But why would we need to fight each other?
–Victoria: It's fate. Erelia, have you thought about why Alcea appears to want to destroy humanity?
–Erelia: Wasn't it to starve the demons of their power?
–Victoria: In reality, simply destroying a single sentient species will do nothing with regards to the demons' power. Demons prey on all mortal races for power, not just humans. Conversely, mortals need demons in order for them not to grow complacent.
–Erelia: If not that, then why?
–Victoria: In her eyes, humanity has grown complacent.
–Erelia: What do you mean?
–Victoria: I'm sure you know about the imminent return of Gallurum, right? It's something the Donsilans and the Netherworlds were privy to.
–Erelia: Ah, right. Anyway...
Suddenly, a cloaked figure approached Uzuki and bit her. Victoria put her hand to her face, while Erelia had a stunned look on her face.
–?????: With the blood of a powerful Innocent, I can finally vanquish Krudal. Prepare yourself, fiend!
–Victoria: I'm not the only one here, Meryl. At least tell us what you're about to do.
–Erelia: Wait, you know that vampire?
–Victoria: Well, she's not exactly a full-blooded vampire. To elaborate, she's a half-blood, and being a female and an offspring of a demon and a human, she's also a witch by blood. It just happens that she has vampire powers and is affected by sunlight. Anyway, her hometown was destroyed by Krudal, and I ended up taking her in.
–Erelia: Ah, so that's why...
The cloaked figure spoke.
–Meryl: Ah, I didn't notice that there was another person with you, Victoria. Anyway, it's time for me to get my revenge.
Meryl sped towards the battle between Alcea and Krudal. Erelia watched as Meryl snuck up behind Krudal and bit him in the shoulder, causing him to cry out in pain as Uzuki's blood was injected into him.
–Erelia: What's going on? Is Uzuki's blood that special?
–Victoria: It's no different to any other Innocent's blood. However, such blood is incredibly damaging to any non-vampire demon, due to it being imbued with Innocence, and in fact vampires have long used Innocents' blood as weapons against demons. With that said, only dhampyrs such as Meryl can consume Innocents' blood.
–Erelia: But what about Uzuki?
–Victoria: She'll be fine; Innocents cannot be turned into vampires anyway.
Meanwhile, Krudal shook off Meryl and sent her flying backwards.
–Krudal: Impudent half-blood! Know your place!
–Alcea: You're still standing?
–Krudal: Know that you can't kill me, Donsilan. Only Innocence can kill me, and it is clear you lack that power.
Suddenly, an object flew at very high speed towards Alcea. She managed to catch the object with her left hand, and noticed that it was an Innocence Shard. She turned towards the direction from where the shard was thrown, and noticed Tamaki, who was nearly out of breath.
–Alcea: So you came. I thought you had attacked me, but I see that you're trying to help me.
–Tamaki: We don't have much time. Though we may not see eye-to-eye, this is something we must deal with first. So use it!
–Alcea: Very well, then.
Alcea focused her magical energy on the Innocence Shard, causing it to activate. She then placed the shard on the handle of her sword, causing the blade to glow white. With one mighty swing, she slashed Krudal, dealing incredible damage and causing him to recoil in pain.
–Meryl: Now's my chance!
Meryl charged towards Krudal and bit him again.
–Krudal: Graaaaah! You... you insects! How could you... this... this cannot be!
Erelia walked up to Krudal.
–Erelia: I have but one thing to say to you, traitor.
Erelia readied her sword, which was glowing white.
–Erelia: Die!
With one swing, she sliced Krudal in twain. What remained of his body began to crumble into dust as the Innocence ate into it.
–Tamaki: Is it... is it over?
Alcea threw the Innocence Shard back towards Tamaki.
–Alcea: Tamaki, we will meet again. Whether we will meet again as allies or as enemies, I do not know.
A blue magic circle appeared beneath Alcea. In a flash of blue light, she disappeared.
–Victoria: Ah, Erelia, I need you to come with me.
–Erelia: Ah, okay.
The two witches walked away.
–Meryl: I'm going to head off as well. Tamaki, was it?
–Tamaki: Ah, yes.
–Meryl: Thanks for the help.
–Tamaki: Ah, you're welcome.
Meryl walked away. Tamaki ran to where Uzuki was lying.
–Tamaki: Uzuki...
End of Episode 40
Bonus scene
Within a castle of a far-flung Netherworld, a demon messenger approached the man sitting on the throne.
–Messenger: Lord Sugrum, I have some very important news regarding what happened on Fuenod.
–Sugrum: Hm? That human world? It can't be that important, right?
–Messenger: This concerns the fate of that traitor Krudal.
–Sugrum: I see. So, what happened on that planet?
–Messenger: Krudal... is no more. The second princess, and your daughter, Erelia, killed him, with the assistance of a Donsilan, a human Innocent, and a half-blood.
–Sugrum: Hahaha.... He got what he deserved. I always wanted to leave this Netherworld to Orialla, but my younger one is growing to be a capable one indeed. Maybe I should rethink that.
–Messenger: My lord, Erelia is only eleven. She can't just take over the Netherworld now.
–Sugrum: You think I don't already know that? Anyway, what about that human with whom Erelia contracted?
–Messenger: That girl... was severely injured in the battle against Krudal. I just hope that she'll fully recover.
–Sugrum: It's unusual for someone like you to show concern for a human. Anyway, you are dismissed.
–Messenger: Yes, my lord.
The messenger left. Sugrum turned towards another figure within the throne room.
–Sugrum: Orialla...
–Orialla: Father, what is it?
–Sugrum: What brings you back here? Shouldn't you be with the humans?
–Orialla: Father... the Netherworld is in danger.
–Sugrum: Eh? Where did you hear that?
–Orialla: A Donsilan fleet is approaching us from beyond the galaxy. I estimate that it'll only be two weeks until they arrive.
–Sugrum: I see. Orialla, head back to the human world. I will deal with this fleet.
–Orialla: Yes, Father.
Orialla left the throne room.
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Commentary
With regards to unison, its effect varies depending on the pair. An incomplete unison typically results in unequal contribution to the unison from both parties, and more often than not results in the witch simply being turned into a weapon. A more complete unison allows either party to control the single body that results (although it wasn't demonstrated this episode), and a complete unison is often accompanied by significant changes to the magical girl's mage outfit (e.g. Uzuki's typical mage outfit is a short-sleeved yellow dress with matching gloves and ankle boots; when unisoned with Erelia, her mage outfit is a sleveless white dress with yellow trim, again with matching gloves and ankle boots, but with yellow tights added).