Magia Record Story The Chiming Bell that Transcends Time

Prologue

Iroha Tamaki and her friends had been separated by the Wings of Magius. And one day after the team overcame their ordeal and returned to their lives at Mikazuki Villa, something happened at Mitama’s shop. That is where this story begins…

Iroha greets Mitama Yakumo at her shop. Mitama says she came just at the right time since she wanted to test out a charm she learned. Yachiyo Nanami looks at the charm and notes that it’s a spell for having sweet dreams. Iroha thinks it would be perfect for Yachiyo since she’s been having trouble sleeping lately. Mitama is certain it will work since it’s a charm that has been passed down in Europe since the medieval ages. Mitama shows them how to prepare the spell by setting up two candles, a red one and a blue one. She then shows them the rest of the steps for the spell. Since the two of them learned the spell so quickly, Mitama offers to give them a pair of old candles she found at an antique store for free to get them started. Yachiyo regards the candles suspiciously but since Mitama didn’t avoid eye contact when she said there was nothing wrong with them, Yachiyo graciously accepts the gift. Iroha thanks Mitama and the two head back home.

Later that night, Yachiyo and Iroha set up the candles in the living room just like Mitama showed them. Iroha is getting a little nervous, but Yachiyo tells her to remain calm or else she won’t’ have pleasant dreams. Yachiyo lights the candles and both her and Iroha almost immediately drift off to sleep. Iroha finds herself in a dark void. There is a single point of light in the distance, so Iroha walks towards it

Act 1

Chapter 1 - A Dream of France

Soldier-like familiars growl menacingly as they do battle with the French soldiers opposing them. A soldier cries out as they soon begin to be overwhelmed by the soldier familiars so a captain orders them to engage the creatures in groups of three. However, more of the soldier familiars appear from seemingly nowhere and join in the battle. The captain calls for a retreat but Corbeau soon steps in and blocks their escape. The captain recognizes her as one of the English “Witches” but Corbeau corrects him, calling herself a “Magical Girl” as she strikes him before brutally killing the captain. Iroha (still wearing her pajamas) walks through the woods, following the noises of battle. One of the solider familiars notices Iroha and begins to approach her but Yachiyo appears fully transformed and takes the familiar down. Iroha asks where they are since they should be in their beds at home but Yachiyo doesn’t have a clue either. She urges Iroha to hurry and transform, ready to fight and defend herself. Corbeau sees the two and approaches them, surprised but glad to see new Magical Girls and asks if they’re allied with the French girl. Iroha doesn’t know what she’s talking about but that doesn’t matter to Corbeau. She summons more of the soldier familiars in order to take care of Iroha and Yachiyo. Yachiyo is surprised to see a Magical Girl summoning Familiars. It seems Corbeau hasn’t had her fill of death and destruction yet so she orders the familiars to attack them. Yachiyo warns Iroha not to underestimate her as she can sense how powerful Corbeau’s magic is.

Corbeau cackles as she attacks Iroha, who is still somehow able to stand. Corbeau smiles and asks if Yachiyo is worth destroying as well. She doesn’t want to lose her new toys by killing them too quickly, so she wonders if she should break them one by one instead before returning her attention to Iroha. Corbeau strikes at Iroha once more, with Yachiyo being too slow to react in time to protect her. Just as the attack is about to land, Tart manages to get in front and protect the two girls from Corbeau. Corbeau glares at Tart in disbelief, unable to believe that Tart was able to deflect her attack despite how much power she put into it. Tart asks if Iroha is alright before introducing herself. Corbeau begins to giggle to herself, prompting Yachiyo to ask what’s wrong with her. Corbeau is overjoyed at this turn of events as she still wants to take out Tart herself. Tart urges Yachiyo and Iroha to escape while she takes on Corbeau for now. Iroha hesitates but Yachiyo reminds her they’re in no condition to fight some lunatic. Iroha warns her to be careful as they turn to flee. But Corbeau isn’t going to let them get away so easily as she summons a Witch’s barrier to the battlefield. Both Iroha and Yachiyo are dragged into the labyrinth along with Tart. Yachiyo can’t believe that Corbeau can not only summon Familiars but Witches as well. Tart offers to take care of the Witch as well but Yachiyo reminds her she’s a Magical Girl too and can handle at least this much.

Yachiyo and Iroha soon make short work of the Witch, although Iroha is still worn out from having to endure the earlier attacks from Corbeau. Yachiyo notes that the Witch they just defeated was a Witch they’ve seen before in Kamihama, Candy, and questions what it would be doing here of all places. But there’s no time to ponder that as Iroha points out Tart, who is still battling with Corbeau. Corbeau laughs all the while as she trades blows with her mortal enemy, eventually successfully knocking her back into a tree. Yachiyo calls out to Tart, who assures her she’s fine as she picks herself back up. Corbeau glares in disbelief as she questions how Tart could be okay after a hit like that, but then she only begins to giggle once more to herself. She cackles about how the fun is now going to begin as she declares a battle to the death. However, before she can begin another assault on Tart, Riz Hawkwood appears from Corbeau’s shadow, knocking her to one side. Both Corbeau and Yachiyo notice how Riz is able to manipulate the shadows around them as Riz informs Tart she’s needed with her troops, who are struggling greatly against the Familiars. It seems Riz has brought Melissa de Vignolles with her, whom she instructs to direct Iroha and Yachiyo back to their camp. Melissa introduces herself and prepares to leave but Corbeau is ready to block their escape. Riz warns her not to show her back to enemy as she strikes at Corbeau, promising to make her pay for what she did to Tart. Corbeau grins and shrugs; she’s just as content fighting and killing one of La Pucelle’s little friends. Tart turns to Iroha and Yachiyo and tells them Riz can handle her while they make their escape. Iroha and Yachiyo introduce themselves as they turn to flee. As they’re running, Yachiyo recognizes La Pucelle and Tart as some of the different names attributed to Jean d’Arc and wonders if the Magical Girl running beside her is actually the same person.

Tart arrives at the battlefield where her French troops are attempting to do battle with a legion of soldier Familiars. Iroha and Yachiyo stare at the vast number of Familiars as Tart and Melissa explain they are minions of Corbeau. France had been utterly overwhelmed ever since those creatures appeared among the English forces. Iroha is confused by all this talk about France and England. Yachiyo points out how much it looks like a medieval battalion. As far as she can tell, this is a battle that took place in the past. Tart is a member of the French military whereas the English appear to be summoning monsters to fight for them. The soldier familiars waste no time turning their sights on this new prey, so Tart asks Melissa to escape with everyone to safety while she takes on the Familiars alone. Iroha says there’s too many for her to take on, but Tart only asks that they go help the soldiers of France. Yachiyo observes how the French have only soldiers on their side whereas the English have only monsters fighting for them and decides to follow Tart’s instructions for now. Yachiyo hands Iroha a Grief Seed and tells her to use it to restore their magic. Both Yachiyo and Iroha are going to help kill any Familiars that are blocking their path in order to help the French soldiers escape safely. Iroha does as she told, asking Tart to stay safe.

After defeating a few soldier Familiars that followed after them, Iroha, Yachiyo, Melissa, and the group of French soldiers make good on their escape. They travel as far as their able until they’re sure they’re out of range of the battle before Melissa and the other soldiers begin to tend to the wounded. Just as Iroha asks if Tart will be okay, both her and Yachiyo sense an incredible amount of magic coming from where Tart was. Melissa explains that they felt La Lumière, Tart’s light magic. Yachiyo worries about Tart, since that much magic couldn’t possibly let anyone make it out of there alive, including her. Suddenly, Iroha says she can’t hear anyone’s voices. Yachiyo calls out to her as Iroha fades and soon awakens to find herself standing in the living room, wearing her pajamas. She wonders if it was all just a dream.

Chapter 2 - Suspicious Candles

The Mikazuki Villa household is preparing for another schoolday as Yachiyo tells Iroha about the dream she had. It seems she had the same dream as Iroha. It all felt so real that Iroha was convinced it couldn’t have been a dream when it was happening. Yachiyo asks if she still has any of the injuries she sustained during the battle but it seems they’ve all disappeared. Yachiyo wonders if anyone else in the household had the same dream, but Felicia Mitsuki doesn’t know what she’s talking about. Sana Futaba says the only thing she dreamed about was the “Flufftastic Furry Friend Videos” she was watching online before she fell asleep. Since only Yachiyo and Iroha had the dream, Yachiyo suspects it was either the spell or the candles that cause them to have the same dream. The two decide to call Mitama and ask her about it. Mitama is surprised to hear they had nightmares since she claims that everyone else who’s tried the spell had such lovely dreams. She wonders if maybe the candles are to blame. Yachiyo hangs up the phone and relays what Mitama had said to Iroha. She asks Iroha if she was the one that put out the candles but Iroha says they were already out when she woke up. Yachiyo considers the possibility they were released from the dream when the candles went out. Since the candles were still relatively untouched, Iroha suggests they try it again. Yachiyo wonders if their dream will pick up where it left off or if they’ll have a completely different dream this time. But what’s really prying at Yachiyo’s mind is the face that all of the people kept referring to Tart as “La Pucelle”, which is the name given to Jeanne d’Arc, which would mean that the dream they had took place in medieval Europe during the Hundred Years’ War. Iroha wonders why they were able to understand each other’s languages if that were the case, but Yachiyo reminds her it was a dream. Yachiyo asks Iroha what she wants to do with the candles for now. Iroha wants to try lighting them again. Yachiyo asks if she isn’t afraid, but Iroha thinks that it was only scary while they were dreaming it. Since she woke up just fine, she’s not as scared of going back into the dream. Yachiyo agrees so the two re-light the candles.

The two fall asleep almost immediately and find themselves back in the same dream, only this time they’re standing in the middle of a European village at night (although it was nighttime in the dream last time as well). Considering Iroha can feel the dirt beneath her feet and smell the grass, she wonders if it really is a dream. Yachiyo takes this into consideration, since you normally wouldn’t be able to share a dream with someone else either. Everything feels so real that even Yachiyo is beginning to have her doubts. Iroha suggests they try looking for Tart first. Yachiyo thinks it would be best if they remained transformed for now.

Yachiyo and Iroha soon find Tart, who is standing amongst the French soldiers alongside Melissa and Riz. Tart is relieved to see them as is Melissa. Riz introduces herself to the two since she didn’t get a chance to last time they met. Melissa catches up Iroha and Yachiyo on everything that happened, including how they seemed to vanish into thin air in front of her. Tart and the others had been worried they were sucked into a Witch’s barrier. Iroha and Yachiyo now realize that their “dream” seemed to have continued without them. Yachiyo asks Tart if her real name isn’t Jeanne D’arc by any chance. Tart is surprised to find that Yachiyo knows this. Most people usually call her Jeannette, Tart, or even Darc but her true name is Jeanne while her father goes by the name D’Arc. Tart asks how Yachiyo could have known that. Yachiyo stumbles on her words and attempts to come up with a good explanation, but thankfully she’s saved by Melissa who happens to point out a small girl who is standing by herself in the distance. Tart wonders if the little girl is all alone while Riz suggests they go check it out. Riz asks the girl if she’s alright, but the girl asks Riz for her help. Her sister has been caught by a scary monster and points in a direction in the distance. Riz figures it must have been a Witch or Familiar that captured the girl’s sister. Iroha thinks they should help and tells Tart they need to help. Tart agrees, but Yachiyo telepathically asks Iroha if they should follow them. Iroha then remembers that this is all supposed to be a dream. She was so caught up in anything that her first reaction was to help the girl. Yachiyo says that’s so like her and can’t blame her for reacting that way. After talking to everyone, even Yachiyo can’t help but think of them as anything other than real people. Iroha promises to be careful but Yachiyo thinks it’ll be fine since any injuries they sustain will simply vanish when they awaken.

Iroha, Yachiyo, Tart, and Riz follow the girl’s directions and soon find a Witch’s labyrinth. The enter the barrier and soon find the Witch. Iroha recognizes the Witch as one they’ve seen in Kamihama before as well, the Witch called Stacey. Iroha wonders if maybe the reason the Witch is here is because it’s supposed to be their dream. While Yachiyo agrees tentatively, she mentions that the thing that has been bothering her the most is the fact that the little girl was able to see the Witch despite not being a Magical Girl. Iroha wonders if that’s also due to all of this being a dream. Yachiyo isn’t so sure about that, but for now they should assume that ordinary people can see Witches and Familiars as well. Tart and Riz soon find the girl’s sister in a part of the barrier. Riz warns Tart to hold back since Tart’s magic is so powerful it may harm the little girl as well. She advises Tart to wait for the enemy to make a move first but Tart doesn’t want to wait. Iroha mentions having fought that particular Witch before and offers to help. Riz agrees to follow Iroha’s lead for now since she doesn’t want anyone else to get hurt either. Together, the team follows Iroha’s direction and they soon are able to vanquish the Witch safely. The little girl is reunited with her sister and she thanks the group for all their help. Riz is grateful they were able to get the girls home safe, while Tart praises Iroha’s perfect instructions. Iroha is just glad she was able to help. Even if it’s a dream, Iroha believes that helping people still feels wonderful. Yachiyo agrees as Riz thanks her for her help as well. Both Riz and Tart would have regretted it immensely if they hadn’t been able to help those little girls since they looked so much like Tart and Catherine in their youth. Tart explains that Catherine was her little sister that both she and Riz were unable to protect.

1428: Domrémy Village, France
Tart cries over the body of her fallen sister. Catherine gave her life to save Tart’s even though Tart was the older one. Riz holds Tart and cries, apologizing for not making it back in time.

Tart had lost her beloved little sister when her hometown was invaded. Because she never wanted anyone else to suffer that kind of cruelty, Tart became a Magical Girl by wishing for the power to bring light to all of France. Iroha can understand where Tart is coming from. She too has a little sister so she can’t just shrug all of this off just because it’s a dream. Yachiyo understands that this is the kind of thing that happens when a war rages on for decades. Tart swore to herself on that day, standing in front of Catherine’s grave to free this land. Riz had pledged to protect and support Tart every step of the way. The story of Jeanne D’arc started with just the time of them, and thanks to the guidance of an angel their allies have grown considerably as they make their journey, allies like the French Soldiers and Melissa. However, Tart still feels like she’s not living up to the expectations everyone has of her. Even though she almost liberated Orléans, a strategically vital city, it soon fell into the hands of the enemy. Yachiyo is shocked at what she just heard. Iroha looks at her quizzically, but Yachiyo tells her telepathically to just listen to what Tart is saying for now and she’ll explain later. Yachiyo doesn’t know what’s going on, but according to the history she knows Tart was never defeated. She should have rescued Orléans from the brink of defeat.

Tart explains that as they were battling to free Orléans, a sudden, vast wave of familiars appeared commanded by Corbeau. This turned the tide of battle against them, causing them to feel to the southernmost city of Toulouse. In Toulouse is a great hero by the name of La Hire, who is also Melissa’s father. Both him and many others who fought alongside them were separated from their battalion. Riz explains that the Familiars aren’t even the last of it. Thanks to Corbeau’s influence, the wold has been plunged into never-ending night. Yachiyo claims it’s just like a dream, but Riz explains to Yachiyo that just because it’s a dream for them doesn’t mean it’s the same for them. To Riz and the others this is undeniable reality. Yachiyo and Iroha apologize when suddenly they begin to feel oddly. It’s the same feeling as before which means they must be waking up from the dream.

Chapter 3 - In Pursuit of the Dawn

Awake in their living room, Iroha concludes that their dreams must have been caused by the candles. Yachiyo agrees and believes that telling or asking Mitama for anything else won’t help. Iroha then remembers Yachiyo’s reaction when Tart was talking and asks her what the matter was. Yachiyo explains that in recorded history, Jeanne did liberate the city of Orléans before going on to save parts of northern France that were under English control. But in their dream, Corbeau appeared during that crucial battle and defeated the French. Everything Tart told them can be confirmed on a map. The outcome of that war could be very bleak for all of France. And that’s not the only major difference. During the course of their dreams, they would also encounter Witches from modern day Kamihama, as well as the fact that night never ends. Yachiyo would like to just write all of this off as a dream, but she’s hesitant to do so. Before she can finish her statement, they hear the stomping of Felicia going down the stairs. Felicia is glad to see that they’re awake and says they tried multiple times to wake them but were unable to. Yachiyo asks why they would try to wake hr up when it’s still dark out but Felicia says that IS the problem. She points to the wall clock and Iroha sees that’s it’s 1:00 am. Felicia says it’s not the middle of the night but the middle of the day! The clock actually reads 1:00 pm. Yachiyo opens her eyes wide as she realizes that it’s been night out since yesterday. Felicia is glad they understand what she’s been trying to tell them finally. But that’s not the only strange occurrence going on. It seems all the people of Kamihama have vanished except for the Magical Girls.

Yachiyo can tell this is a very serious problem. The sun isn’t rising in Kamihama just like how it was in France and now everyone who isn’t a Magical Girl has disappeared. Iroha wonders if this is all their fault but Yachiyo reassures her, placing all the blame on Mitama. Yachiyo decides it’s a little harsh to put ALL of the blame on her, but in the end it doesn’t matter who is to blame since they have to do something about this situation. One thing is for certain, however: whatever is happening in the France of their dreams is definitely related to their problems in the modern day. Iroha believes it’s just like Riz told them: just because it’s a dream to Iroha doesn’t mean it’s not reality for them. Iroha shakes her head, having taken everything in the dream world too lightly just because she could wake up safe and sound. Yachiyo suddenly realizes something and asks Iroha to check on her Soul Gem. Yachiyo inspects it and confirms her suspicions: despite not being physically injured, the magic they used has still been consumed. Whatever the source of their dreams may be, they still use magic just like in the real world and it has an impact on their world too. Yachiyo suggests they take the dream world as seriously as the real one. Iroha thinks they need to go back into the dreamworld to figure out how Kamihama and it are connected. Yachiyo agrees as Felicia stands there watching them. Felicia says they’ve been talking a bunch of nonsense and wonders what a bunch of candles have to do with anything. Yachiyo says it’s a long story that she doesn’t have time to relate right now. She asks Felicia to let them sleep for now and to not wake them. If they need anything else she’ll let Felicia know. Felicia thinks Yachiyo doesn’t want her to help and is trying to get rid of her but Yachiyo promises she just doesn’t want to get more people involved than need be. She tells Felicia that if she does as she’s told, then they’ll have steak for dinner tonight. That was all Felicia needed to hear as she promises to make sure that Sana doesn’t bother them either as she heads back upstairs singing about delicious meat. With Felicia out of the way, Yachiyo and Iroha prepare to plunge back into the dream world and search for whatever is causing all of this. Iroha is ready to take this as seriously as anything else as the two settle down into chairs and relight the candles.

Yachiyo and Iroha are transported back into the dream world only this time they find they’ve landed in the middle of a Witch’s labyrinth, that of Rebecca. Yachiyo is a little dismayed since she was hoping to join up with Tart and the others immediately. Iroha sees a man struggling in the distance, attempting to do battle with the Witch. As the man battles, he declares, “I, La Hire, God’s wrath incarnate, refuse to die here. I will see Melissa again!” Iroha recognizes the name of “La Hire” as the name of Melissa’s father which means they must be back in the same dream. Yachiyo says she must be right so they need to help this man right away. It doesn’t matter how strong any human is, they’re no match against a Witch.

Yachiyo and Iroha soon defeat the Witch and the barrier dissipates, leaving them standing in a wooded area. La Hire thanks the girls and praises their strength, comparing them to La Pucelle in battle. Yachiyo and Iroha introduce themselves as companion of La Pucelle and Melissa. Hearing that name causes La Hire to brighten, thankful that his daughter is still alive and safe for now. La Hire informs the girls that various creatures like the one they just slayed are crawling all over France, sowing chaos and destruction in their wake. But there is a nearby fortress that continues to resist and keeps their faith in La Pucelle. Since he cannot abandon his post, he asks the girls to tell Melissa that he and the other soldiers are in good health and that they haven’t given up hope. He bids the girls goodbye before heading into the woods. Yachiyo realizes now just how dire the situation is for France and just how heavy the message they must convey is. Iroha is glad they were able to help Melissa’s father and thinks it’s an amazing coincidence that they were able to meet like that, but Yachiyo believes their meeting was more than just a chance encounter. The first two times they arrived they met with Tart right away.

Yachiyo and Iroha walk through the woods until they eventually come upon a camp site. It was Yachiyo’s idea to walk south towards Toulouse in hopes of catching up with them. They look around the camp and soon find Melissa, delivering to her the news from her father. Having spread the news around, the morale of the troops grew much higher than it was before. Iroha hears many of the soldiers calling him “Good ol’ red ears, La Hire” and asks Melissa about the nickname. Melissa explains that whenever his father loses his temper, his ears grow red. Tart says Iroha and Yachiyo always arrive just when they need them most, like a ray of light in the dark, and asks if they aren’t angels as well. Iroha says there’s no way she’s an angel and tries to explain that they’ve come from a world outside of the dream where Tart is a legend. Riz’s ears widen momentarily when Iroha says “outside the dream” but instead asks them to continue with their story. Iroha tries to tell them she’s from the future, but Yachiyo says they should just explain everything to them including the stuff they don’t understand. They relay everything that has happened to them so far as well as what they know of written history. Melissa is surprised to hear that Tart frees Orléans and leads France to victory before eventually helping to crown the King of France under the guidance of a voice from heaven. Tart is overjoyed at this news, as it is exactly as Monsieur Angel said would happen while Riz is still trying to make sense of Yachiyo’s claims that they’re from hundreds of years into the future. Iroha asks what she means by “Monsier Angel” so Cube appears and says she’s referring to him. Both Iroha and Yachiyo’s jaws drop as they realize it’s Kyubey! Cube corrects them, saying his name is “Cube”, not Kyubey, although he was called that before in the lands to the east. But he says that’s not important right now.

Cube explains that he is the one who contracted Tart. Iroha asks if he knows why they were brought here but Cube says he doesn’t know since they are unknown entities to him. But if they can tell him everything that happened, then he can come up with a hypothesis. Iroha and Yachiyo tell him everything in great detail with Cube listening intently. When they’re done, Cube concludes that they must be in the past of their current reality. Iroha thinks she understands what he means and says that just because they were asleep they wrongly concluded that it was a dream when in actuality their souls were being transported into the past. Cube says she’s right as that’s the only explanation for all of this, such as the fact that he is barely meeting them for the first time. Iroha says that it was Kyubey that turned them into Magical Girls, but Cube says that was either him in the far distant future or an associate of his. Yachiyo asks how this place could be their past if it’s so different from the history that they know of. Cube explains that it’s because all of this is a time paradox most likely caused by Corbeau. France’s defeat was growing more and more likely with her arrival. She was a girl with an unending supply of Familiars at her command who can summon Witches from other eras. Clearly she was an anomaly. If things continue like this and France loses the war, the entire world will be consumed in endless night for hundreds of years which is why Kamihama is like that now. History has been diverted from its original course so its begun to affect their future. However, all of this hasn’t been set in stone yet which is why the influence on the future has been minor thus far. But if they leave and leave things as they are, then Yachiyo and Iroha themselves may very well disappear. If they’re able to help Tart to defeat Corbeau and save France, then everything should go back to normal. Yachiyo eyes Cube suspiciously and asks if they can really trust him. While Cube doesn’t know what their relationship is like in the future, as far as the here and now is concerned they can definitely count him as an ally. Should Corbeau win this battle, then it would set them back considerably. Tart is the only being in this era who can stand a chance against her. She’s burdened with an astronomical fate as a Magical Girl who connects past and present. Even for his kind, Tart is a shining beacon of hope.

1429: Toulouse, France
Having moved the base camp to another area, Iroha looks up and smiles at the brightly shining morning sun. Yachiyo is happy to see that the sun in the past looks the same as it does in the future. Yachiyo turns to Iroha and warns her that they’ll have to see things through to the end and help Tart with her fight. Iroha knows they can’t help it since they can’t just leave Kamihama the way it was, with all the people disappeared. She had originally thought of all of this as nothing more than a dream because of how they got there, so she was never able to take Tart’s or anyone else’s feelings seriously until now. Tart and the others are fighting with everything they have and Iroha had failed to acknowledge that before. Yachiyo says it’s just like how Riz had said earlier, and now this is an undeniable realitiy for them as well. Yachiyo reminds Iroha if they use up all the magic in their Soul Gems then there’s no way for them to make it back alive. Iroha nods, aware of the ramifications. Yachiyo and Iroha then proceed to find Tart and the others to let them know of their decision. Riz is at first skeptical of their decision. Iroha assures her they’re going to do whatever they can to help them fight the Witches and Familiars, even if they might disappear unexpectedly. Riz warns them they might not survive the endeavor, but Yachiyo promises them that they’ve already made peace with their decision. Because they thought this was just a dream world they didn’t take things seriously at first. But now they know what’s at stake and are prepared to do what it takes to ensure their victory. Riz is relieved to hear that and turns to Tart to ask her what she thinks of all this. Tart looks serious and says there’s something she must ask them first. She explains that they are all battling for the sake of their future, to restore hope to their country, and to see a better tomorrow after all the sorrow. Monsieur Angel (Cube) had told her they were from the future, so Tart asks them if they feel that the future is worth fighting for. Iroha is surprised at the question for a moment but quickly answers that they do. Even though the future has its own share of sorrow what with wars and everything else, and the fact that even in the future Magical Girls continue to fight tirelessly every day to save those people, Iroha still wants that future back no matter what. It’s their future, Iroha says with strong conviction. Tart smiles, overjoyed to hear that the time they live in must be a truly splendid era. Tart had only wanted to know if hope still remained in the future and Iroha’s answer had shown her just how much hope the future harbors. With that, Tart gladly accepted Iroha and Yachiyo’s help. With everyone fighting as one, this country whose dawn has been denied will be restored of its light.

Chapter 4 - The Fortress Rallies

Toulouse, Southern France
Tart stands before a contingency of French soldiers, declaring their intent on bringing dawn back to the country of France starting from their last remaining fortress in Toulouse. The soldiers cry out in unison at Tart’s every word, chanting the name of Jeanne, La Pucelle. Iroha and Yachiyo are surprised to see how popular Tart is and how loudly the soldiers would cheer for her. Melissa explains that the morale of the soldiers was quite low, but that’s when Tart shines brightest. Even when they were still winning every battle Tart was always like that. Seeing her like that reminds Melissa of the first time she laid eyes on Tart. Tart had met with Prince Charles, the successor to the French throne, for the first time. However, he had wanted to test her to see if she was as holy as she was said to be, so he had someone else sit on the throne to greet her. But Tart saw him and immediately declared him to be an imposter. After witnessing her feat, the crown prince reacted at once by announcing to everyone that Tart was truly a messenger from God. That is when Tart earned her nickname “La Pucelle”, the maiden. The dauphin had then granted her command of the French forces. Melissa recalls the moment she saw her the first time was like a miracle. That is why she travels with Tart and aids her as her servant. Melissa finds it personally fulfilling to be by Tart’s side every day. Yachiyo can see that Melissa is very devoted to Tart. Iroha remembers that the fortress they’re headed to is the same one where Melissa’s father is. Melissa smiles at the thought and says she’s right. Even though her father has the nickname La Hire, “Wrath of God”, to him he is her beloved father who treasures Melissa above all else. Riz appears and assures Melissa they’ll see him soon enough, although he is holding the fort with nothing more than the stray soldiers he was able to gather. She warns them at they’re currently under siege and the situation looks very bleak. Despite this, Tart was certain they could reach them and help them to fight back, rekindling their flames of hope. Riz comments on Tart’s high spirits and says it’s thanks to Iroha and Yachiyo that Tart’s own faith was restored, earning them Riz’s gratitude. Iroha tries to humbly deny it but Riz says there’s no need to be embarrassed and leaves to find Tart. Yachiyo notices that Riz always stays so close to Tart, almost like she’s her shadow. Melissa informs them that Riz believes it’s her personal duty to ensure Tart’s safety. Over where the soldiers are, Tart begins to give orders for advancing on the fortress.

It’s already night as Tart leads the troops onwards. The group draws closer and Tart can see the fort where La Hire is waiting for them. Tart senses something just as she’s engulfed by a Witch’s barrier. Zenobia glares down at her prey, whipping up sandstorms. A soldier yells out at the foul creature but Tart transforms and steps in front of him. Tart swings her sword as she goes after the Witch, but soldier Familiars appear from the edge of the barrier and begin to encircle the French soldiers. Yachiyo wonders what these Familiars are doing in the barrier of a different Witch, but Riz believes that it’s because the master of this Labyrinth is not a true Witch and implying them to be clever copies of the originals. The soldiers are starting to tremble at the sight of these monsters since a single one was able to lay waste to them before. They’re beginning to fear the worse and doubt that even their La Pucelle will be able to take down so many, especially with the losing streak they’ve had lately. Melissa overhears the soldiers and demands they repeat what they said, her ears burning bright red and her fists shaking in anger. Iroha and the other soldiers take a step back in fear. Riz uses her telepathy to explain to Iroha that Melissa always gets like that whenever anyone criticizes Tart. Yachiyo notices that, just like her father, her ears turn red when she loses her temper. A soldier Famliar advances towards them growling menacingly, but Melissa says they can’t leave the front line to be guarded by such cowardly wretches and promises to take on the monster herself. Iroha asks if Melissa is a Magical Girl too but Riz informs her that Melissa is just an ordinary girl, although Cube believes she has great potential. Yachiyo and Riz tell Melissa that won’t be necessary and step forward to take down the monster in her stead. Seeing the young girls step forward to bravely face these monsters, the soldiers began to chatter amongst themselves, calling themselves pathetic especially after they had departed so full of themselves. Iroha asks the soldiers not to push themselves but to please be there to act as backup for Riz and Yachiyo. The soldiers realize she’s right and get into formation as Iroha goes to join them in their fight.

Yachiyo and Riz attempt to finish off the soldier Familiars, with Yachiyo offering to finish it off. Despite her attack, the soldier Familiar remains standing. A voice calls out, warning her not to underestimate the creatures as La Hire appears and deals the killing blow. Yachiyo thanks her savior before she recognizes him as La Hire. The barrier soon dissipates, implying that Tart had finished off the Witch once and for all. Melissa runs and hugs her father, happy to see that he’s still alive and well. La Hire hugs her back tightly as Tart and the other soldiers clamor around him, elated to see that their captain is still safe and has been reunited with them. Tart says he must have ran full speed from the fort to have arrived so quickly. La Hire says he certainly did as he grins cheekily. Tart wonders if it’s really okay for the commander himself to leave the fortress to fight, but Riz assures her the fort is fine since Baron Gilles de Rais is overseeing it. Yachiyo notes that both La Hire and Gilles de Rais were remembered as heroes in history books. Tart turns back to the soldiers and begins to announce orders for their next move: to take this challenge head-on and reunite with their allies at the fortress. The soldiers cry out in unison once more.

The group soon arrives in front of the fortress, although the fortress is surrounded by a thick miasma of darkness. Together, the Magical Girls and soldiers fight as one and destroy the battalion of soldier Familiars surrounding the area. After a long battle, the group is victorious and soon the sun begins to shine down once more on the land. Tart and the others stand beaming at what they’ve accomplished, with Melissa comparing the rays of sunshine to rays of hope shining down on them. Baron Gilles exits the fortress and approaches the group, calling the battle a marvelous entrance by La Pucelle. Gilles asks Tart to make her way to the front of the soldiers and then asks Iroha and Yachiyo to do the same. Gilles steps forth and begins his speech, talking about how long they’ve toiled in submission since that fateful day. He tells the soldiers to fear no longer since the will of God has descended to them once more through their heaven-sent La Pucelle and the two new holy maidens that have joined their cause, causing both Yachiyo and Iroha to open their eyes wide at having been called “new holy maidens” and causing the soldiers to cry out in cheers once more at “Les Pucelles”. Yachiyo shakes her head and calls this all a nightmare while Riz and Melissa just giggle at how uncomfortable they seem after being hoisted onto pedestals like that.

Chapter 5 - Saving the Dauphin

Yachiyo and Iroha are “awake” once more and back in the present time. Yachiyo asks Felicia if anything has happened but Felicia says that nothing has changed one bit. Felicia mentions that Tsuruno Yui had come over trying to figure out what’s been going on but then she immediately took off afterwards. Felicia says she has no clue where she went, but she’s really wishing Yachiyo and Iroha good luck since she’s REALLY looking forward to that big steak for dinner even if that means the schools won’t be closed anymore. Yachiyo asks Felicia to keep studying on her own as they try to resolve this since they’ll be busy for awhile and won’t be able to check on her. Sana asks if they’ll be going alone again and suggests it might be better if the rest of them helped out. Iroha quickly interjects, telling Sana they shouldn’t go or they’ll be turned into holy maidens too! Yachiyo says she doesn’t want to go into it when she sees Sana’s confused expression. Iroha thinks it’s a good thing they woke up shortly after that speech or they would have been crushed by the people mobbing them. Yachiyo really doesn’t want to have to go back to their dream at that point, but Iroha is pretty sure a good bit of time has already passed since then since that is how it was the other times they’d gone back. Yachiyo thinks she’s right and believes they should get going, so she relights the candles once more.

Back in the French camp, Tart informs them of a rescue mission she has planned. The rescue mission concerns the heir to the throne, the Dauphin Charles, who is currently imprisoned in Bourges. Melissa explains that the whole war actually began as a dispute over who would inherit the throne, but Corbeau had imprisoned the one true heir of France. Iroha can see how this would be a big problem, while Yachiyo comments that this drastic event never happened in any history she’s ever known. Tart is surprised to hear this, but regardless of what history may say she knows they must fight on. Rescuing the Dauphin and ensuring that he’s crowned is detailed in the orders she received from Monsieur Angel. Yachiyo narrows her eyes when Tart calls him “Angel” as Cube looks up inquisitively.

The night before they depart, Yachiyo spies Riz by herself near the edge of camp. Riz is summoning various different weapons with her shadows and practicing with them. Yachiyo approaches her and asks if she’s training for the battle tomorrow. Riz says she isn’t training, but trying to make sure her weapons are balanced since they haven’t been in the best condition lately. Yachiyo comments on how Riz is helping the Holy Maiden but is using very ominous fighting tools, such as a machete and scythe. Riz says Tart is the light of hope, so she is the shadow that clings to it. If these weapons can protect her, then it doesn’t matter how ominous a form they take. Yachiyo giggles so Riz asks her, “What is it?” Yachiyo explains that Riz seems so mature but then she refers to her weapons as “little ones”. Riz explains she’s barely a year older than Tart and Melissa while Yachiyo informs her that Iroha is actually a year younger than Melissa whereas she and Riz are about the same age. Riz thinks about how old Catherine would be if she were still alive and surmises that she would have been friends with Iroha. Since Riz couldn’t save Catherine, she has to protect Tart not matter the cost. Yachiyo looks at her with a worried expression full of concern. She tells Riz that she shouldn’t put her life on the line even if it’s to save someone else’s because Tart treasures Riz as much a she does Tart. Tart has lost so many important friends up to this point, so Yachiyo is sure she feels entrusted with the will of each and every one of them. She begs Riz not to give Tart another painful memory to mourn. Riz understands what she means and promises to take care of herself too. Riz believes that Yachiyo is a lot like Tart and is sure that many of her friends have entrusted their hopes and dreams to her as well. Yachiyo recalls the faces of her friends Kanae, Mel, Momoko, and Mifuyu and admits that it is true. Riz thinks maybe the Baron was right and that maybe Yachiyo really is a holy maiden, just like Tart but Yachiyo insists that’s not true.

The next day, Tart rallies the troops together once more and declares their next mission: to save the rightful heir to the French throne and bring back the Dauphin Charles. The soldiers cry out in unison, “Les Pucelles, Les Pucelles, our three holy maidens!”, causing Yachiyo to look dismayed and Iroha to smile in embarrassment.

The troops advance and are soon within sight of Bourges. Now they need only to break through their defenses and victory will be within their reach. Gilles announces to the soldiers that they have nothing to fear since they have the blessed maidens on their side. La Hire grins as he mentions how Gilles sure knows how to really rouse his troops. The troops work together in unison as they fight alongside the Magical Girls. The battle is long and hard but soon they are able to vanquish the hordes of soldier Familiars and advance towards the fortress where the Dauphin is being held in its basement. Riz believes it will be difficult to break the gate but she’s already come up with a plan with Tart. She tells Iroha to go with Tart who will be leading the charge. Something comes flying down at Tart, causing Iroha to yell out a warning and push Tart to one side and narrowly blocking the projectile. Corbeau emerges and says it was meant to be a killing blow but they were still able to deflect it. Riz glares at her opponent as Corbeau says it wouldn’t have been any fun if she had killed her so easily before immediately launching an attack at Riz. Riz telepathically tells Tart to leave Corbeau to her while she and Iroha head to the fort. Riz asks Yachiyo to cover her before asking Corbeau what she hopes to accomplish here. Corbeau laughs and says she just wanted to enjoy the bloodbath. When she really gets going, even her allies sometimes get caught in the fire, but in this world she can wantonly destroy as much as she wants which is why she jumped at the opportunity. Yachiyo listens to Corbeau’s words intently and thinks there’s more to what she meant when she said “in this world”. Corbeau is eager to start their one-on-one battle but Riz says no thank you as she melts into the shadows. Riz throws a projectile from Corbeau’s left-side before materializing at her right and striking Corbeau once more. Despite the injuries, Corbeau laughs gleefully. She knows Riz is using her “little shadow tricks” and asks if she too believes that offense is the best defense. Riz knows that in a battle of pure strength Corbeau would be the victor, so she’s doing what she can to wear her down bit by bit. Yachiyo steps in to back up Riz as Riz urges Tart to hurry into the fortress with the others while they buy her some time. Corbeau asks if they think she’ll let them get away so easily as she summons more of the soldier Familiars onto the field. Tart and Iroha are soon surrounded as Corbeau turns her attention back to Riz and Yachiyo, promising they’ll be able to play to their hearts’ content.

Riz and Yachiyo continue their battle with Corbeau. Soon Riz is able to run in at Corbeau with a reckless attack meant to end Corbeau’s life, but at the last moment she recalls Yachiyo’s words to not throw her life away and pulls back at the last second. Corbeau laughs as the counterattack she thew only narrowly missed Riz’s vital spot. She warns Riz if she had really gone through with that killing blow, then she herself would have been dead. Corbeau prepares to finish off Riz now that she’s exhausted and at her limit, warning her not to think she can be beaten so easily while still being concerned over her own safety. However, Yachiyo steps in and attacks Corbeau, protecting Riz in the process. She asks if Riz is okay as Riz picks herself back up and thanks Yachiyo. Yachiyo says she would have been very upset if Riz was hurt just because of something she had said earlier. Corbeau asks what they’re chattering about as Riz telepathically gives the signal. Tart hears her and unleashes her La Lumière attack on the fortress, causing it to collapse. Gilles gives the signal to the troops to begin storming the dungeons as La Hire asks them to leave it to him to find the Dauphin and take him to safety. Corbeau now sees what they were planning all along and begins to cackle loudly. She admits she’s been beaten and leaves the fortress to them, claiming she should never have underestimated Tart’s magic. She warns Riz and Yachiyo that she won’t forget them and promises they’ll have a proper fight to the death when next the meet before leaving.

Yachiyo points up to the sky and says the sunlight has begun to return to the fortress. Soon the entire area is awash in bright sunlight as Tart asks Gilles to give them a speech. Gilles says he thought she would never ask before turning to the soldiers and giving a rousing speech about how the Dauphin has finally been released thanks to Les Pucelles. As the soldiers cheer, the Dauphin Charles takes Tart’s hand before thanking Tart form the bottom of his heart for the delightful rescue. Tart doesn’t know what to say in reply. The Dauphin soon turns and gives a speech to the soldiers, asking them to behold the glow that fills their sky as proof that the heavens have not forsake France after all. He motions to Tart, Yachiyo, and Iroha as living proof of this and says that the sun will rise so long as they have faith. Now that they’ve been recognized by God and with the protection of Les Pucelles, their next aim is for Château de Chinon. Noticing the confused look on Iroha, Tart explains that it is a French stronghold in the north. The group will march in that direction and free any forts or villages they come across as they go. If they can force their way into Château de Chinon, then they can finally begin on their plans for their most important mission yet: to recapture Orléans. The soldiers cry out loudly as the Dauphin finally gives the words they’ve been waiting for. Riz tells the others that this will be the decisive battle, on the same battlefield where they once tasted defeat they will rise again and retake Orléans.

Chapter 6 - The Night Before

Iroha and Yachiyo awaken once more in the living room of Mikazuki Villa. Felicia shows up and calls it perfect timing. Sana says that something has changed: although it’s still dark out, some of the people have started to come back. Felicia begins to cheer them on as Iroha asks if this means that some of the correct timeline has been restored. Yachiyo believes she’s right but says they still have a long way to go before history is back to how it should be. In the history that Yachiyo knows, Tart and the Dauphin held an audience at Château de Chinon and then a mission to liberate Orléans happened soon after. But since Tart and her friends had already lost Orléans once, this would be considered more of a rematch, which is why they’re calling it a mission to recapture rather than liberate the city. Only then can they start where they left off in history. Sana apologizes for interrupting, but warns them that the people that have returned have become increasingly anxious because the sun never rises. Yachiyo says they have to hurry and set things right as she prepares to relight the candles. Before they go, Felicia reminds them of their promise of a big steak dinner when this is all done.

Iroha and Yachiyo are transported to a village, but it seems Tart and her soldiers have already left the area of Bourges. Yachiyo thinks they’ve already begun their trek towards Château de Chinon and suggests they head north to catch up with them. Since the sun is shining down brightly on the village, it seems Tart and the others have already recaptured this area. At some point the group was driven back to the southernmost edge of France, but by now they’ve been able to retake about 40% of France with their counteroffensive. As they head towards Chinon, they’ve been freeing the towns and fortresses they pass along the way. Since their enemy isn’t an army, but a mass of Witches and Familiars that Corbeau has summoned to fight, they just need to drive them back in order to recover the land. Even so, it’s terrifying to think that one woman alone was able to drive a whole country into submission, although Cube did mention that Corbeau was an anomaly here. Iroha wonders if there are even any humans on the English side, but Yachiyo thinks Corbeau must have left them behind in case they were hurt in her rampage. Considering Corbeau’s choice of words, Yachiyo finds it very strange and suspicious that Corbeau would refer to it as “this world”, which makes it sound like she came from somewhere else. If Corbeau isn’t from this world, then what is the world they find themselves in now? Even if Cube believes they’re in medieval France, his theory doesn’t necessarily account for everything. For example, the two groups are able to communicate just fine despite the fact that they don’t speak Japanese and Iroha and Yachiyo don’t speak French. Also, the entire phenomenon where the sun never rises seems pretty unrealistic. As confusing as it all is, for now all they can do is trust that Cube’s theory is the correct one and that they are in medieval France. If they keep going, then surely all the strange dream logic and the reasons behind it will become clear in the end. One thing they know for sure is that time in this world is passing and Tart and her friends are fighting with everything they have. As long as they don’t forget that, then it shouldn’t matter what this world is. They have to take Tart and everyone else seriously. Iroha agrees with everything Yachiyo said as the two begin their journey to catch up with everyone at Chinon.

1429: Château de Chinon, France
The Crown Prince Charles took back the castle, their first step in recapturing Orléans. Yachiyo and Iroha finally arrive at the camp where Tart gladly welcomes them back. Iroha is glad to see that they’ve already gotten inside the castle. Yachiyo asks when the mission to recapture Orléans begins. Melissa says the mission will begin in two days time, first thing in the morning. Cube informs them there are French forces north of Orléans as well, so if they’re able to recapture the city and join their troops with theirs then they can return the light to France. Melissa nods at what Cube said, prompting Iroha to ask if she can see Cube as well. Cube explains that she may not be a Magical Girl, but she does have the potential for it. The final battle will soon be here and Iroha is getting nervous just thinking about it. Tart says they’ll be having a celebratory banquet here before they head for the frontlines and says they’ll be delighted if they would join them. Yachiyo doesn’t see why not. Iroha asks where Riz is so Melissa explains she’s currently on reconnaissance. Yachiyo is surprised she’d be on such a dangerous mission alone but Tart says since she has the power to hide amongst the shadows it’s better for her to be on her own. Melissa mentions that Riz has been working alone often lately, and is sometimes gone all day long. She wonders if perhaps Riz is worried that Corbeau is planning a surprise attack on them. Yachiyo can see where she’s coming from and says she should be fine on her own since she’s so strong, although it does seem unlike her to leave Tart for so long. Just as she says this, Riz appears and asks if they’ve been talking about her. Tart happily welcomes her back and asks how it went. Riz doesn’t have much to report as Yachiyo eyes her carefully. Once more Yachiyo has the feeling that Riz is hiding something. Since the banquet will be starting soon, the group goes to join the others in the celebrations.

The party is soon underway and the soldiers cheer and talk happily amidst the drinking and feasting. Iroha asks what Yachiyo is drinking. Yachiyo says it’s goat’s milk and offers some to Iroha to try since Yachiyo thinks it tastes quite good. Iroha takes a sip then asks what Melissa is drinking. Melissa says it’s a little something the Dauphin treated to her so she could partake in the toast. Iroha asks if it’s alcohol and says she probably shouldn’t drink that but it’s too late, Melissa has gulped it all down. Gilles joins in the conversation and mentions that Melissa has already drank seven flagons of the stuff. Yachiyo can’t believe it since it doesn’t show on her face at all. La Hire joins them as well, laughing and asking if they’re enjoying themselves. He asks Melissa if she likes the drink before mentioning that it’s made from crushed grapes plucked before they’re ripe, which is different from wine. Iroha is relieved to hear that it’s not alcoholic at all and asks if Riz is drinking the same thing. Riz is, since she doesn’t want any alcohol either, so Iroha offers to get her a plate of food. Riz asks for something sweet if they have it. A young servant girl offers the girls some wine, but Riz initially refuses. Seeing how dismayed the girl is, and how cute, Riz decides to make an exception and accepts a glass of wine. Iroha warns her not to do it since Riz says she doesn’t drink, while Yachiyo wonders if she’s just incapable of turning down children or something.

Cube notes what high spirits everyone seems to be in and asks Iroha if she and her friend will be participating in the battle to retake Orléans. Iroha says they will so long as the candles don’t burn out and return them to the future. Cube asks what she means by that, so Iroha explains that they forgot to mention how it is they came from the future. Riz asks them to explain it to her as well. Iroha explains everything abou the candles and how they’re able to go to the past in their dreams as they sleep. They had tried the candles out as part of a charm that was supposed to give them nice dreams but something must have been wrong with the candles. Melissa asks what they were talking about since she overheard them mention a charm for sweet dreams. Since Melissa is interested in spells and charms, Iroha asks if it’s alright to teach her the charm. Yachiyo believes it was the candles and not the charm that caused them to go to the past so she doesn’t see the harm in teaching Melissa the charm. Just then Iroha remembers Tart and asks where she is. Tart hears her name and walks over, all sloppy smiles and happy to see them all. She grabs hold of Iroha in a tight hug and continues to giggle as Iroha struggles to leave her embrace. Riz says she looks completely drunk while Yachiyo asks who gave her alcohol. Cube can vouch that Tart hasn’t had a single drop and thinks it may be because of the smell of the alcohol everywhere. Iroha is surprised that just the smell alone could affect Tart so much as Yachiyo guesses she must be the hugging type from the way she’s been going on. Tart begins to snore as she falls asleep upright, still holding Iroha in a tight hug. Riz shakes her head at the so-called “Holy Maiden” as Iroha calls out for help.

Act 2

Chapter 7 - The Mission to Recapture Orléans

May, 1429
The French army, commanded by Gilles de Rais and La Hire, followed Crown Prince Charles’ orders to depart from Château de Chinon and head towards the vital stronghold of Orléans with the aim of recapturing it. They marched the long road, liberating the fortresses and towns along the way. Leading them on a white horse with a French banner was a girl the angels named Tart.

On the battlefield once more, Tart swings her sword down and slices a soldier Familiar in half. Melissa points to where a Witch’s labyrinth stands ominously. They enter the barrier and are faced with an irate [Stacey]. Tart asks Iroha and Yachiyo to take care of this creature. Yachiyo agrees and tells Iroha to focus on the Familiars to the right while she takes care of the ones on the left. The two girls split up and take the Familiars head on. The various Ekaterinas are no match for the Magical Girls, leaving a path open for Tart to unleash her La Lumière, leaving the Witch as nothing more than smoke and dust. The barrier dissipates and the bright sunlight filtering through the trees can be seen. La Hire grins and says her magic blows him away no matter how many times he’s seen it. Now that the Witch has been eliminated the soldiers are fired up and ready to show what they’re really capable of.

The soldiers continue on their march and soon approach a town shrouded in darkness. Riz informs Tart that the town up ahead is loyal to the Dauphin. Tart urges the soldiers to hurry and drive out the Familiars so they reclaim this town. The soldiers back up the Magical Girls as they battle fiercely, eventually vanquishing the last of the horde of soldier Familiars swarming the town. Yachiyo, Iroha, and Riz catch their breath for a moment as Melissa finally finds them. She informs them that Tart is about to formally greet the townspeople and would like the two of them to come with her. Yachiyo looks dismayed for a moment and asks if they have to act like Holy Maidens again. Melissa nods, but says it should be okay since all they have to do is stand beside Tart while she waves her banner. That’s what Yachiyo was afraid of, but Iroha says they can’t really refuse and the two head over. Riz is glad she’s just a simple shadow after seeing how much extra work it is to be a Holy Maiden. Melissa giggles at Riz.

The two join up with Tart, who is glad as ever to see them, and they turn toward the crowd. The crowd is chanting “Les Pucelles! Les Pucelles! Our Blessed Maidens!” as they look upon their saviors. One of the older villagers presses goods and gifts into Tart’s hands as one of the little girls looks up to Iroha with awe. Yachiyo can tell that Iroha has become somewhat popular herself as one of the Holy Maidens. Iroha wonders if it’s because she helped liberate some of those villages as well. Iroha notices the banner that Tart is waving and points at it, wondering if it’s really appropriate.

Riz notices the banner Iroha is pointing at and mentions that Tart herself had embroidered it. It seems she wanted everyone else to be able to witness Monsieur Angel. That being said, Riz thinks it makes for an unpleasant design whereas Melissa believes it to be charming. Soon the sun began to rise and began to bathe the village in its warm glow. Iroha smiles up at the sun, mentioning how she never gets tired of seeing that. Yachiyo can see now that Tart really is the light of hope but Tart overhears them and humbly states that she’s just a simple girl from the country. She credits all the people who work tirelessly under her for this miracle. That and Monsieur Angel as well, of course. Having made it this far, the only thing left for them to do is to attack the fort itself. And with the light of hope on their side the soldiers believe it will be only a matter of time.

The soldiers march upon the fortress of Orléans, but the fort is surrounded by a thick swarm of soldier Familiars. The soldiers feel overwhelmed but Gilles urges them on, demanding they show no fear as they make their first step towards recapturing Orléans. Melissa cheers the soldiers on, asking them to continue to believe in La Pucelle, their light of hope. With a team of Magical Girls backing them up, the soldiers rage war upon the soldier Familiars and after some time they soon are victorious. The sun soon begins to shine down on them, confirming their victory. Gilles claims this is the perfect evidence of the divine protection granted to them by Les Pucelles. Although Tart believes that all she did was wave a banner around, she’s still overjoyed that they won. A small village girl approaches Tart and asks if she can play with her. Tart happily agrees and the two run off. Iroha watches the interaction from a distance and smiles. Yachiyo has already learned what an honest, humble, and pious girl Tart really is beneath it all. It’s no wonder she’s so loved by everyone. Iroha agrees, since she too had assumed Tart was too timid when they first met. Riz agrees with their sentiments, noting that even if what they’re seeing now isn’t true, Tart herself is very, very real. Yachiyo repeats Riz’s statement about “if it isn’t real” and remarks that it is a strange thing to say. Riz mentions that they had said something of the kind themselves before. Iroha nods; they had assumed this world to be nothing more than a dream because the candles were supposed to give them sweet dreams when they fell asleep so they had assumed that this world was a dream the two of them were sharing. Riz admits she said something of the kind to them before and says it’s not outlandish to think that this world could be someone’s dream, although neither of them is the dreamer.

Yachiyo looks at her shrewdly and asks Riz if she knows something she isn’t telling them. Riz apologizes and says she can’t tell them anything or else everything will come to an end. Yachiyo reminds Riz that the only reason they decided to join Tart’s fight was because of what Riz had told them. She asks Riz that there be no more secrets between them. Riz hesitates for a moment before agreeing. First though, she has to know what kind of candles Yachiyo and Iroha were using. Iroha explains they were antiques, one red and one blue. Riz nods as this confirms to her that they really are from the future, and not just because they know the true future. Riz asks them to listen carefully to what she is about to say since she believes she can trust them with this information. She tells them if anything should happen to her and they need help, to remember Tart’s little sister Catherine. They should go to the church that bears her name and offer their prayers. Although she’s not certain what they will find there, she’s certain they’ll encounter someone who can help them. Having said all this, Riz turns to leave on more reconnaissance work. Iroha stares as Riz melts into the shadows. Although she didn’t really understand what Riz was telling them, even she can tell that Riz is keeping a secret. Yachiyo agrees, admitting there may be a reason she couldn’t tell them everything although she did trust them with what information she could. Iroha and Yachiyo soon get that strange feeling again that tells them they’re about to wake back up in Kamihama. Iroha sighs and says she wishes she could disappear like Riz does into the shadows when they go.

Chapter 8 - A Turn for the Worse

Safe at home in Mikazuki Villa, Iroha and Yachiyo prepare themselves for the big upcoming battle. As they hurry, Iroha wonders out loud how it is they’re able to safely meet up with Tart everytime. Even now after traveling countless times she still doesn’t know how it works. Yachiyo nods and says it’s like they just get sleepy and before they know it they wake up in France. She describes it as seeing a light. Iroha perks up and says she’s seen that spark of light too. Yachiyo turns and lights the candles and soon the two are transported to the same field in front of the fortress where they were before. The look around but Riz is nowhere to be seen. Tart runs up to them and says they haven’t heard back from Riz for an entire day now. Melissa asks if they have any idea where they could be, so Yachiyo informs them Riz had mentioned she was going to go scouting. Tart breathes a sigh of relief since Riz has returned late from reconnaissance before. Although they’re not worried she’s not safe, Melissa fears she may not return in time for their next mission. La Hire calls out for Melissa to hurry and Melissa says the mission is about to start right now. Iroha puts on a brave face and says they’ll fight as hard as they can in Riz’s place. Tart happily accepts their help, although personally she’s still worried about Riz. The mission to recapture Orléans had reached its climax, though Riz was nowhere to be found. The French forces began advancing toward the fortress.

The French descend upon the fort and soon the keep is within sight. Gilles orders the siege to begin but Yachiyo warns them to hold back: she can sense magic emanating from it. La Hire warns them to watch out as he narrowly dodges an attack from Corbeau. Corbeau laughs, telling him he’s lucky to be alive. Tart glares at Corbeau as Melissa begins to panic since Riz isn’t back yet. Corbeau overhears Melissa and looks around for Riz. Yachiyo steps forward and tells her Riz isn’t here today, but she’d be glad to take her place. Corbeau grins, happy to accept an invitation from the girl in blue since she wasn’t a bad fighter either although she had had her heart set on a battle to the death with Riz, the girl in black. Tart asks her why and Corbeau responds that Riz is just like her, ready to kill without hesitation. Tart says Riz is nothing like her but Corbeau has already struck at Tart, asking what it is that’s so different about them. Iroha cries out Tart’s name but Tart picks herself back up, assuring Iroha she’s fine. Corbeau loves the determination in Tart’s eyes and remembers how upset Riz had become when she attacked Tart before. She decides she’ll try to crush the Holy Maiden again in order to drive Riz into a killing frenzy once more. Yachiyo calls out to Iroha, telling her they have to cover Tart.

Corbeau attacks Iroha, knocking her aside before striking at Yachiyo. Yachiyo is momentarily knocked off her feet as Corbeau turns her attentions onto to Tart. Tart prepares to strike will all her might as Yachiyo warns her not to use up her magical power. Tart promises this will be the final blow as she unleashes her La Lumière attack on Corbeau, but Corbeau dodges the attack and cackles at Tart. Corbeau calls it a pity since, despite the sheer power of Tart’s attack, the trajectory is too easy to read. Corbeau says her Soul Gem must be at its limit already and asks Tart if she really thinks she can do it again. Tart warns her she won’t lose. Corbeau smiles once more at the brave words and promises she’ll keep playing with her until her eyes are colored with despair. Corbeau is getting impatient waiting for Riz to show. Melissa turns to Cube and asks him if she can save Tart by becoming a Magical Girl. Cube says that will depend on her strength, but without Riz around they may have no other option. Riz appears just then and goes towards the field where Tart is battling with Corbeau. She apologizes for being late as she ran into some trouble on her way here. Corbeau cackles madly as she welcomes Riz back. She’s eager to get started and finish their fight to the death. Riz says she’ll take her on gladly and threatens to kill her right away so she can never lay another finger on Tart again.

The two soon begin circling each other, trading blows and dodging attacks. Corbeau gets hit by Riz as she sneers and says she admires her thirst for blood. Unlike Tart, Riz is willing to show neither weakness nor forgiveness. Riz tells her to be silent as she strikes her once more. She is Tart’s shadow and if it’s to save their light of hope then Riz won’t hesitate to bloody her hands. Riz prepares to land the killing blow but Corbeau manages to escape her grasp, promising she won’t go down so easily. Corbeau aims her next attack at Tart but Riz is able to step in front of the attack and take the brunt of the blow. Riz collapses in pain as Tart looks over her. Riz says she’s at her limit as she begins to fade into the shadows. Tart cries out Riz’s name as she begins to wail in anguish. Suddenly the sky turned pitch black and Corbeau begins to cackle once more. Iroha turns to Corbeau and asks if she still wants to fight but surprisingly Corbeau doesn’t. Although she would have preferred fighting to the end against them all, she needs to finish the job she was given. She grabs Tart’s arm and takes her away forcibly as Iroha is powerless to stop them.

Thanks to Corbeau seemingly abandoning the battleground, the rest of the soldiers were able to recapture the fortress but it was at the cost of Tart and Riz. With the two of them gone, it seems the sun will never rise in this world again. Back at camp, Gilles can’t believe what La Hire is telling him. Their precious maiden has been snatched away by the enemy forces. La Hire asks him to calm down as La Pucelle is sure to return. For now it is their job to hold the front lines until then. What’s really worrying Gilles is that the Dauphin Charles has become faint of heart after everything that’s happened. Cube watches the camp and comments on how dire the situation has become. Yachiyo agrees, and mentions that this endless night is not helping. Not just here at the fort, but throughout all of France the sky has grown completely dark. Iroha shudders to think of a world covered in darkness and says this sort of thing doesn’t happen in the real world. Yachiyo says that’s just like how Riz said and relays the information to Cube. Cube finds this information interesting and ponders it for a moment. He soon comes to a conclusion that explains everything: this entire world is actually Tart’s dream. The moment she lost her friend Riz, Tart’s heart was overcome with despair and in that moment the world was covered in dark clouds. Both Yachiyo and Iroha were able to travel to this world through their own dreams and conveniently appear wherever she needs them to. Even the language barrier has been removed. In other words, everything is linked to Tart’s mind. This world is a dream that reflects what is inside Tart’s heart.

Yachiyo asks if this is all true, then how could Tart’s dreams be affecting the future. Cube corrects his earlier statement and says that Tart and the world that the others are from is in the past, the past that belongs to Iroha’s reality. The real Tart is currently asleep in 15th century France and all of them are in her dream. If Tart were a normal girl then events in her dream wouldn’t have an impact on the future, but Tart is an extraordinary girl even for a Magical Girl. If her heart gets hurt, even in her dreams, then her Soul Gem will become tainted. If Tart’s heart is completely tainted with despair, and she becomes a Witch then it would trigger a catastrophe that would cover even the real world in darkness. The darkness that covers the world will continue on into the future. Yachiyo figures that explains why the Kamihama in the future is also experiencing an endless night. Cube explains this is all an elaborate trap orchestrated by Corbeau. If they consider how Corbeau captured Tart rather than killing her, then it’s clear her goal is to drive Tart into despair inside of her dream and create the greatest Witch that France has ever seen. Iroha asks if there’s any way to stop Corbeau. Cube says one way would be to rescue Tart from despair in this dream and wake her up in the real world. Yachiyo asks Cube if he’s going to help them. Cube reminds her he’s said it before, but they share the same interests. Stopping Corbeau’s plans is the top priority.

As Cube finishes his statement, both Iroha and Yachiyo find they’ve woken back up in Mikazuki Villa. Yachiyo asks what they should do in order to save Tart from her dreams of despair. Iroha listens for a moment before mentioning how unusually quiet it is. They go to look for Felicia and Sana in their rooms, but the two are not to be found. Iroha wonders if they went out so they walked through the deserted streets of Kamihama, but no one could be found, not even another Magical Girl. There’s no mistake: they are the last ones left in the world.

Chapter 9 - A World of Endless Night

Back at Mikazuki Villa, Iroha begins to panic. She asks Yachiyo if they should hurry and start dreaming again or what else they can do. Yachiyo tells her to calm down and reminds her she’s the leader now, so she needs to be able to show she can stay calm and collected. Iroha says she’s right and takes a deep breath to calm her nerves. Afterwards, she says they need to think of what their options are. Yachiyo says that’s better and suggests they do what they can in Kamihama since they just got back. Iroha asks if there’s anything in their world that isn’t in Tart’s world before remembering the candles. Yachiyo says they never stopped to look into the candles. Cube and the others seemed to have been unwittingly dragged into Tart’s dream, but they’re able to leave and enter freely thanks to the candles. Iroha recalls Riz’s words on the battlefield and believes that Riz may know something about them. Mitama claims she got them from an antique shop, so could they be connected to Tart somehow? Yachiyo hopes Mitama won’t mind, but she thinks they should break into her shop and investigate.

Iroha and Yachiyo soon make their way to the Coordinator’s shop and manage to find a way in. Once inside, the two look around for anything that could be a clue. Iroha thinks she has found something and holds up a candle similar to the ones they received from her. Yachiyo tells Iroha to look around some more in case Mitama bought more items from the same shop. They continue to search for some time until Iroha comes across an old book. The book looks to be about as old as the candles and appears to be written in Latin. Yachiyo finds the book to be suspicious and thinks it’s worth looking into. Maybe they can use a dictionary to help them read it.

After several hours of painstakingly pouring over the tome line by line, word by word, Yachiyo’s head can’t take anymore. She never thought there’d come a day when she would find herself reading ancient Latin. Thanks to her hard efforts, however, she was able to figure it out in the end. It seems the book they’re holding is actually a dark magic grimoire. The book talks about magic that could be used to trap humans in a Witch’s labyrinth and force them to have nightmares that they can’t wake up from. It would appear that whoever wrote this book had extensive knowledge on Witches and Magical Girls. Iroha asks if this means that Corbeau used this dark (Witch’s) magic to cause Tart to become trapped in an endless nightmare. Yachiyo says that’s right and that the book also mentions the same candles. In order for the spell to work, the candles are made with a piece of hair from the victim. The candles are then used to create a way in and out of Tart’s dream. It’s possible Mitama bought the candles and book at the antique shop by chance, but they must be the same ones that Corbeau herself used in the past. Just like them, Corbeau has been using the candles as a means of going in and out of the dream. But because she’s an “unwelcome visitor”, she had a harder time getting near Tart than they did. Iroha asks if the charm that Mitama taught them has anything to do with this as well. Yachiyo shakes her head; Mitama’s sweet dreams spell is something else entirely. The placement of the candles and everything else are unnecessary for the spell to enter Tart’s dreams to work. It seems it wasn’t Mitama’s spell that caused all of this to happen, but the candles themselves. There’s more on the page but at this point Yachiyo can’t continue translating it. They would need someone who can read it properly but they don’t know of anyone who still would be able to. Iroha wonders if there’s someone in the dream who could help them and recalls Riz’s words about the church Catherine was named after. Iroha wonders if the person Riz was referring to could help them. Yachiyo isn’t sure that anyone will be there to meet them for sure and suggests they start by talking to Cube. She wonders out loud if it’s possible to bring the book back with them into the dream. Iroha shrugs and says their clothes made it back with them so it may be possible if they hold the book while lighting the candles. With nothing else to lose they relight the candles once more.

This time when Iroha awakens, she finds herself in utter pitch blackness. France and nothing else for that matter can be seen in the dark abyss and Yachiyo isn’t there either. Iroha fears she may have gotten lost but soon she can hear Yachiyo calling out to her telepathically. Iroha replies and asks where she is. Yachiyo thinks they’re still in the space they go to before they enter Tart’s dream. Yachiyo warns her not to move as she tries to walk in the direction of Iroha’s telepathy as they keep talking. After some time, Yachiyo is reunited with Iroha in the dark abyss. Iroha wonders how they’re going to get out of there and suggests they call out with their telepathy in the hopes someone can hear them. Iroha calls out for help and soon she hears the voice of Melissa. Iroha asks Melissa to keep talking so they can try to make their way to where they hear her voice. Although Melissa doesn’t really understand what’s going on, she promises to try her best. Yachiyo thinks Melissa really does have all the makings of a Magical Girl and begins o make her way towards the sound of her voice. Soon the two begin to see a light in the distance and are transported to France once more as they finally approach it. Iroha breathes a sigh of relief as her and Yachiyo find themselves in the French soldiers’ camp. Iroha thanks Melissa for her help before questioning why they got lost this time on their journey. Melissa notices the book in Iroha’s hands and asks about it. The two are glad to see that the book was able to make it with them on their journey. Iroha explains that the book contains details about the dark magic Corbeau used to trap Tart. Iroha was hoping Cube would be able to read the book for them. At the sound of his name Cube pops up out of nowhere and asks “You called?”

Cube pours over the tome, reading every passage until at last he had finished. According to Cube, he now knows everything about the magical trap Corbeau is using and says they correctly deciphered the gist of it. By using the magic in the grimoire, magic that uses a Witch’s Labyrinth, Corbeau lured Tart into an endless slumber. Since Cube and Melissa were nearby, they were dragged into her dream as well. Corbeau then used the red and blue candles to enter the dream herself and waged war in order to drive Tart into despair. Iroha asks Cube if he doesn’t remember the moment he got dragged into the dream, but Cube says his memories seem to have been altered so that they match the dream. Yachiyo replies that Tart and Melissa would never have suspected they’re in a dream if even Cube was affected by the spell. Cube says it makes sense that the Witches and Familiars would roam the countryside openly since the dreamer themselves are trapped in a Witch’s labyrinth, which means the dream itself is like a labyrinth. According to the tome, the spell also granted Corbeau the ability to command and summon as many Familiars as she wants as well as make duplicates of enemies from other people’s memories, which would explain why they’re being attacked by modern day Witches. As far as Cube is concerned, Iroha and Yachiyo are partially to blame for the instability of the future. Iroha can’t believe what she’s hearing but Yachiyo shakes her head and says he’s right. These events originally began and ended during Tart’s era, but then hundreds of years passed and Corbeau’s candles ended up in their hands. They entered Tart’s dream and changed the past, so naturally the future changed as well. Cube says that’s just one possibility. The war was already looking bleak by the time they had arrived, so the Witches that appeared may have pushed things over the edge. Cube says it’s not all bad and reminds them that, without the help of additional Magical Girls, then the French army would have fared even worse. It may be that the two of them are also the only ones who can turn this war around. If they hadn’t come then it’s possible the situation would have been even worse. Cube says it’s possible that it is their destiny to save France. Melissa asks Monsieur Angle if there’s any way for them to save Tart. Cube says there is: they must ring the Sacred Bell.

Chapter 10 - The Key to the Solution

In order to wake up Tart, they must ring the Sacred Bell. Unfortunately the book is in bad condition and the section that describes that part is indecipherable. Yachiyo and Iroha look down in dismay until Melissa suggests that the Sacred Bell may be in reference to a church bell. Recalling Riz’s words, Iroha asks Melissa if there are any churches nearby that are named Catherine. Melissa replies that Monsieur Angel had once led them to a church named Saint Catherine’s Church in a town called Fierbois. Tart, Riz, and Melissa had met a mysterious woman there named Pernelle. Cube explains that Pernelle is a Magical Girl whose knowledge of alchemy and magic is unparalleled. She watches over other Magical Girls and gives them advice. Iroha says that matches up with what Riz had told them about finding help at that church. The group considers the possibility that the same Sacred Bell might even be located at that church, or that Pernelle may at least know something about it so Yachiyo and Iroha ask Melissa and Cube to take them there.

The group travel and arrive in Fierbois, the home of Saint Catherine’s Church. Melissa asks around but it seems the church bell was damaged during battle. Despite the lack of bell, the group decides to head to the church and step inside. Yachiyo and Iroha do as Riz had instructed them and begin to pray. They soon hear a voice replying to their prayers, saying they must be the girls that Riz had talked about and bids them welcome. Cube says hello to Pernelle and asks why she isn’t showing herself. Pernelle replies that she exists outside of La Pucelle’s dream and cannot traverse within that space. Despite still being in the real world, Pernelle might still be able to help them. Pernelle says their voices are still somehow able to cross over and reach her, but holding the rift in this dream labyrinth open is very difficult. Iroha tells Pernelle they want to wake Tart up from this dream and asks her about the Sacred Bell. According to the grimoire, Pernelle says that Tart had heard a certain church bell ring out just before she was put into a magical sleep. In order for Tart to awaken, she must ring that same bell herself within the dream. She explains that, in the ral world, Tart had been within the city of Orléans, fighting to liberate it, when she fell into a slumber so the bell they must search for must be the one affixed to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Yachiyo, Melissa, and Cube are relieved to hear the good news and know that they must now liberate Tart and get her to ring that bell in order to waken her from this nightmare. But Iroha says, “No. That’s not enough!” and explains that, even if they wake her up, Tart’s heart is still filled with despair over the loss of Riz. But Pernelle interjects: Riz is alive, but she’s lost sight of the light and is unable to escape the world of darkness.

Pernelle explains how Riz had been able to avoid being dragged into Tart’s dream when Corbeau put her to sleep because she was elsewhere at the time. In order to save Tart, Riz stole a set of candles from Corbeau and used them to enter Tart’s dream. Pernelle explains that Riz couldn’t tell them about it because a rule to using the candles was that “The grimoire’s secrets cannot be revealed. Break this rule, and your body will be engulfed by the dream Labyrinth.” However, Yachiyo and Iroha were safe from this rule because their bodies are in the future, where the labyrinth that has trapped Tart should no longer exist. Cube says that explains everything and how this further emphasizes Yachiyo and Iroha’s importance. Riz was the first to find out about Tart’s enchanted sleep and had been working with Pernelle to try and save her, but because of the rules of the candles she was unable to talk to anyone about it. She then entrusted the rest to them in case anything happened to her. Melissa questions where Riz is if she’s safe. Pernelle informs her that Riz had been severely wounded and had vanished into the shadows, but she has healed. However, she is lost within the space between dream and reality because Tart’s guiding light has disappeared. Yachiyo says she understands now and reminds Iroha that they too were lost in that darkness. Riz must be lost in that same dark void that they were in. They had been heading towards Tart’s light so they would keep going in the right direction, but when Tart lost hope her guiding light disappeared and Riz couldn’t reenter the dream, causing her to become lost. In order to help Riz, they need to save Tart first and let her know that Riz is alive so the light of her hope can shine again. Pernelle says that should work and makes one final request of them: to give Tart the Épée de Clovis. If she holds this sword aloft, then the light of her hope will shine brighter than ever and help guide Riz out of the darkness.

Chapter 11 - The Light of Hope

Back at the French camp, Yachiyo relays what they learned from Pernelle to La Hire and Gilles. If they can rescue Tart and let her know that Riz is safe, then they can put an end to this endless night. Melissa knows that it’s hard to take-in but they’re all be trapped in Tart’s dream until then. Gilles nods and says, “Our Holy Maiden’s despair brought an endless night, but her hope will bring the dawn. Any miracle is possible when it comes to La Pucelle!” Iroha wonders if it’s wise to tell everyone the truth but La Hire only laughs. He’ll just tell everyone that it’s a plan to rescue Tart and nothing more. That alone should be enough to motivate the soldiers to help. Melissa tells the girls that Tart is being held at the fortress at Tourelles, which is at the southern cornerstone of Orléans. Gilles informs them that Prince Charles is terrified of Corbeau and has been reluctant to dispatch troops, but nevertheless Gilles will do his best to persuade him to send help.

The next day, Gilles stands before a gathering of French soldiers, declaring the time has come to save Tart. Now it is their turn to bring hope to the blessed girl who had brought them hope. The soldiers cheer and work themselves up into fervor for the sake of saving Tart. As she watches on, Melissa wipes a tear from her eye. Seeing all these soldiers prepare to lay their life down on the line for the sake of Tart has moved her. Soldiers from the other fortress are also coming down to join them for the sake of Tart as well. The soldiers begin to move out. One of the soldiers that stayed behind to help guard the fortress asks Prince Charles if he’s sure about this since their defenses will end up being spread thin. Prince Charles says there’s no other way and quotes Gilles’ line about bringing hope to the maiden of hope. Yachiyo and Iroha also join in the rescue mission to bring back Tart and save their future.

The group soon approaches the fortress at Tourelles where large swarms of soldier Familiars stand waiting to defend it. Yachiyo races ahead of the group and uses her spear to impale several of the Familiars, leaving an opening for the others. Yachiyo and Iroha race ahead but are soon met by another wave of soldier Familiars. La Hire stabs a Familiar with his sword and calls out to the other soldiers to keep up with the girls. The group advances but they are soon engulfed in a Witch’s barrier and come face-to-face with another copy of Zenobia. Iroha tells La Hire to leave the Witch to them as they focus on controlling the Familiars. Yachiyo warns them to be careful as she turns to face the Witch head on. Gilles yells out words of encouragement, pushing the soldiers to keep fighting as hard as they can. France will win back La Pucelle! After a fierce battle, the Witch is defeated and her barrier dissipates. Yachiyo, Iroha, and Melissa soon begin to storm the fortress gates. They search within the fort, all the while calling out Tart’s name. They soon find her locked up in one of the prison cells deep inside. The girls break the cell open and Melissa embraces Tart. Tart says she’s fine and apologizes for causing them to worry before staring glumly at the ground. Iroha immediately tells her the good news: Riz is alive. Tart can’t believe what Iroha is saying as she describes how they have a plan to bring her back. Iroha asks if she’s ready to hear the plan and Tart, immediately brightened by the news of her friend, is eager to hear the details.

Iroha explains everything to Tart as they hurry out of the fortress. By the time they’ve reached the outside, Tart has already been informed that this entire world is her dream. Iroha explains that Riz knew the truth from the start and had been traveling back and forth between reality and the dream in order to save her. When Tart fell into despair, she lost her light and now Riz is lost somewhere in the darkness without Tart’s light to guide her back out. Tart asks what she must do to save her lost friend. Yachiyo hands her the Épée de Clovis and tells Tart to raise it high and light up the hope within her heart.

She tells Tart to fill her heart with hope and call out for Riz, who is lost and wandering in the darkness. If she does so, then the light of her hope can guide Riz out of that darkness. Tart does as she’s told, all the while calling out to Riz. Within moments, Riz’s voice can be heard and she soon materializes in front of the group. Tart is overwhelmed with happiness at the sight of her best friend and tears well up in her eyes. The group rejoices as Melissa points up at the sky and the reappearance of the sun. The warm golden light streams down on everyone and the soldiers look up in awe. Gilles announces that Tart has rewarded them with a miracle and the soldiers cry out in victory. Melissa is glad that Riz is safe while Yachiyo asks if her injuries have healed. Riz nods and turns to Tart, saying they still have one last thing to do together.

Chapter 12 - The Final Battle

Tart had regained hope and dawn had returned to all the regions in the dream world. Back at camp, Riz apologizes to Iroha and Yachiyo for not saying anything sooner. She was worried that anything she said would break the rules laid out in the grimoire. The two girls don’t blame her at all since she was just trying to do what she could to save Tart. Riz herself had only just realized they could speak with those outside of this dream when she told Yachiyo and Iroha about that church. If she had missed that opportunity, she wasn’t sure she could have asked for anyone’s help. Riz thanks them for their help. Iroha says they didn’t do much while Yachiyo smiles and says Lady Luck must have been on their side. Melissa steps up and apologizes for interrupting their conversation. She informs them that Tourelle has surrendered so the fortress guarding Orléans is no longer an obstacle. All that’s left is for them to cross the bridge over the Loire River and break into the city. There are still enemies hold up in the city and as of now they still don’t know Corbeau’s whereabouts. Once there, they must find the Cathedral of the Holy Cross so Tart can ring its bell and wake up in the real world. Then this dream France will cease to exist and everyone will awaken in the real world. Iroha asks Cube what will happen then. Cube explains that their memories will begin to fade once the curse is lifted and before long they too will believe that this was all just a dream. Even though things unfolded very differently from what was in their history books, this world is still just a dream after all. The girls are very sad to learn that they will forget everything that’s happened in this dream world and soon begin to say their farewells. Melissa is sad to see them go, especially after they’d just begun to get to know each other so well, but Riz believes this is a happy farewell because they all still believe in the same future. Iroha nods and says they should all continue to fight for their future after this dream ends. Tart smiles and says, “Well said”. The group then heads out to join up with La Hire and the other soldiers to end this dream once and for all.

The group convenes in front of the fortress of Orléans. Riz orders Tart to go ahead of them and find the Cathedral while Iroha and Yachiyo cover her. As they begin to run, Iroha is struck from behind. The group turns to find Corbeau standing there, giggling menacingly. Corbeau looks around and comments on how much of her territory they’ve managed to encroach on while she was away. Riz says they would have been happier if they never saw her face again. Corbeau turns and grins maliciously at Riz, surprised to find she’s still alive. Riz promises she’ll never die at Corbeau’s hands and prepares to end this. Yachiyo goes to back up Riz much to Corbeau’s delight. Corbeau smiles and says they make a fine distraction while Tart rushes into Orléans, knowing Tart is trying to end this dream world. Be that as it may, Corbeau made an obligation to those who created this dream world and she means to fulfill it. Corbeau laughs and says they should enjoy this longer as she summons another wave of soldier Familiars around her. Iroha looks around nervously as she notices that the path to Orléans has been blocked and the sky above Corbeau has darkened once more. Riz stands before Corbeau and warns her that her plan has failed because Tart will never despair again. Tart takes a step forward and says she’s right. She promises Riz she will never let her take on any burden by herself ever again.

Riz and Tart vow to fight together forever, just like how they started this fight together all those years ago. Corbeau chuckles to herself in anticipation now that the Holy Maiden herself is joining in this fight. Corbeau grins, baring her teeth as she warns them they better aim to kill or else they’ll meet their own deaths here on this battlefield. Yachiyo asks Iroha if she’s ready as the four of them will have to finish this together. Corbeau says the stage has been set especially for them so it’d be a waste to end it so soon. “Let’s destroy one another, until we are nothing but hideous corpses!” she vows as she races in to attack.

The battle between the five Magical Girls is soon underway as Corbeau and Yachiyo trade blows, Corbeau reveling in the pain that’s inflicted on her. She can tell that Yachiyo is no stranger to battle as Yachiyo replies that Corbeau is running out of breath. Yachiyo calls out to Riz, who commands her shadows to hold Corbeau in place. She vows to never let Tart fall into despair again as she strikes at Corbeau with her weapons. As Corbeau cries out, Riz and Yachiyo urge Tart to take this chance and make her way to the Cathedral. Yachiyo orders Iroha to go with her and the two soon take off in the direction of the city. Corbeau picks herself up and promises she won’t let them slip past her. She summons more of the soldier Familiars who quickly block the path the path to the city. Iroha asks Tart if she can’t just blast them all away, but Tart doesn’t want to risk hurting the people of Orléans. Melissa and La Hire step forth and offer to take care of the monsters for them while they make their way into the city. Gilles orders the soldiers to charge as one unit until they break through the enemy ranks. Seeing that she’s outnumbered, Corbeau warns them she won’t hold back either and summons another wave of soldier Familiars behind her. The Familiars immediately turn their attentions towards the French soldiers and begin to attack. Yachiyo is shocked that Corbeau has the magic to summon so many but Cube explains that the Familiars are being spawned directly from this dream Labyrinth so Corbeau can summon as many as she wants without expending any of her own magic.

Iroha is beginning to lose hope but soon a voice calls out to them. It is Prince Charles, and he’s arrived with reinforcements. Melissa and Tart are beyond surprised that the Dauphin himself would come out onto the front lines. Corbeau strikes at the Prince but Charles stands back up and vows to not retreat from this fight. He was one of the many that was saved by La Pucelle so he has to do whatever he can to repay that favor. He turns and orders the soldiers he brought with him to cut a path down. The soldiers unleash their fury on the Familiars and soon a path has opened up on the field. The enemy lines begin to crumble as the combined might of La Hire’s troops and the additional reinforcements are able to secure a way into the city. La Hire tells them to leave it to him as he tells Melissa to stay close by his side. Melissa happily sticks close to her father as she shouts out cheers of encouragement to the fighting soldiers. The Dauphin hands over command of the reinforcements to Gilles, who orders them to guard La Hire and his troops as they make their way into the fortress. Corbeau growls at them, warning them not to get too cocky since they still have to contend with her. Tart knows they can’t ignore her, but the team of Magical Girls will defeat her together. Tart asks the others to lend her their strength and promises she will never succumb to despair. She asks that they fight alongside her for a future filled with light. The four Magical Girls gang up on Corbeau, each one striking at her in turn as their attacks begin to overwhelm her. Soon Riz uses her shadows to hold Corbeau in place as she tells the others to back away. She calls out to Tart who unleashes her La Lumière attack directly on Corbeau. Corbeau cries out as she is cast into the surrounding darkness.

With Corbeau out of the picture, the group begins to break into the city. Iroha stays by Tart’s side as Melissa and La Hire guide them to the Cathedral. Corbeau, however, is not done just yet. Somehow she was able to avoid the brunt of the direct hit from Tart and managed to survive. Despite this, Riz isn’t worried since Tart has already gone ahead and soon this “dream” will be over. Riz looks down on Corbeau, knowing the insane Magical Girl still wants a fight. Corbeau gives her toothy grin and says she know her all too well as Corbeau attacks once more.

Inside the Cathedral, La Hire takes on one of the soldier Familiars who is attempting to stop them. Iroha points to the bell tower and tells Tart to hurry. Cube reiterates that once the bell has rung, Tart and everyone else will awaken in the dream world and their memories of this adventure will soon fade. Melissa knows that moment is coming and thanks Iroha for all her help in saving Tart. Before she rings the bell, Tart turns to Iroha and says that, although she had some terrible experiences in this dream, she’s still so very happy that she was able to meet her. Seeing her fight so fervently for the future has confirmed to Tart that her own feelings weren’t wrong. She lost her beloved little sister when her hometown was invaded. Because she never wanted such cruelty to ever happen again to anyone, Tart had decided to become a Magical Girl and wished for the power to bring light to all of France. Even after she wakes up from this dream, Tart will always remember that wish and her vow. She promises to continue fighting until she brings light to her country. Iroha nods and says she believes in her. Looking at her, Tart promises to never forget her and Yachiyo and thanks them for everything. Iroha promises she’ll never forget her either. Tart asks if she wants to ring the bell with her together, saying she would be honored. The two girls grab hold of the corded rope and pull on it, causing the bell up in the tower to sound a clear note. AS they continue to pull on the rope, the bell continues to chime and its notes soon reverberate throughout the land. Melissa yawns as an overwhelming urge to sleep begins to wash over her.

Outside the fortress, Yachiyo and Riz continue their battle with Corbeau although Yachiyo is beginning to lose the will to keep going. The sound of the bell washing over them and the three girls pause their fight. Hearing the bell, Corbeau shakes her head and says it’s time for her to leave. She promises Riz they’ll settle this at the real Tourelles as she fades from the dream. Yachiyo knows it’s time to say farewell and, knowing that Riz will have to continue their fight once they awaken, bids Riz good luck on her endeavors. Riz thanks her, telling her how happy she is that she was able to meet the both of them and the dream and they begin to fade. Iroha gets an odd sensation that tells her the dream is ending. Tart says they should smile as they part ways for the sake of both their futures. Iroha nods and smiles brightly at Tart.

Epilogue

For a moment, Iroha swims in a vast sea of gray as she wonders if she’s still in the dream. She opens her eyes to find herself back at home in Mikazuki Villa with Yachiyo standing over her. As Iroha sits up, she asks where the candles are and where Tart is. Yachiyo stares at her inquisitively as she asks what she’s talking about. Iroha’s eyes widen in shock, but Yachiyo chuckles and says she’s only joking. She can still remember everything as Iroha gives a big sigh of relief. Felicia comes down the stairs, glad to see that Iroha is finally awake. Sana comes up behind her and explains that everything is normal again and the sun is shining once more. Iroha is glad to hear the good news. Felicia says they should hurry and get going, prompting Yachiyo to ask why she’s in such a hurry. Felicia says they need to hurry and go buy the biggest slab of meat they have at the store. Yachiyo sighs and says they can go together tonight. Felicia lets out a cry of happiness as she cheers for dinner. Iroha turns to Yachiyo and asks her if she thinks Tart was able to win the battle at that fortress. Yachiyo suggests they look it up in a history book before their memories can completely fade.

The pull up a history book and look at a section and begin to read.

May 7th, 1429. Tourelles, the outskirts of Orléans. After waking from her dream, Jeanne d’Arc continued her battle in the real world. This is a record of how she freed Orléans. Jeanne had already passed through the Burgundy Gate and entered Orléans. The fortress at Tourelles was the only foothold the English forces had left. 

Gilles ordered the soldiers to march forth under the Holy Maiden’s banner to free Orléans once and for all by defeating the enemy at Tourelles. As the soldiers made their way forth, Riz pointed in the distance at England’s own Magical Girl. Corbeau approaches them, chuckling all the while and introduces herself as Corbeau, their enemy. The battle soon begins and Corbeau takes a liking to Riz, calling her more fun than the Holy Coward that faces her. As the battle ensues, Corbeau soon gains the upper hand and manages to pin Riz down with her black feathers. Tart attempts to defend Riz from Corbeau’s attack, but Corbeau instead directs her wrath at Tart and knocks her away, leaving Riz defenseless. Corbeau promises to cut Tart into little pieces in front of her and turns towards where Tart is lying prone. Before Corbeau can attack, La Hire rushes in and prepares to defend Tart with his life. Corbeau sneers at the mere human that dares to stand before her and viciously strikes him away, mortally wounding La Hire. Melissa runs crying to her father’s side and Corbeau takes advantage of this moment by aiming her attack at Melissa. By this time Tart has already gotten back on her feet and has run towards Melissa, stepping forward and bodily protecting her from harm’s way. 

Corbeau had then ordered her servant Flèche to unleash her might in a major attack on Tart, causing Tart to suffer massive damage and nearly losing her life. In that moment, the light faded and hope had disappeared. Melissa cried out for Tart as she frantically wondered what she could do to help Tart and her father. Riz cried out for her dear friend as well, but Corbeau told her not to be sad since she would be joining her soon. But then, a miracle happened and a third Magical Girl, Melissa, was born. 

Riz watches in amazement as Tart picks herself up, her wounds having been healed. Melissa’s wish had healed everyone, even Tart’s fatal wounds. Riz turns to Melissa and asks her why. Melissa smiles and replies that she believes that whatever path Tart does go down will become a light of hope for everyone in this country. Tart points to the enemies that are approaching them. Riz isn’t surprised but Melissa is up for anything. No matter what fate may await them, Melissa is prepared to fight alongside them as a Magical Girl. 

On May 7th, 1429 Tourelles surrendered. The next day, England abandoned Orléans. With that, Jeanne d’Arc carried out her greatest feat of liberating the city. A poet from the same era, Christine de Pizan, wrote about her in “The Tale of Jeanne d’Arc.” In 1429, the sun shone once again. 

Yachiyo and Iroha close the history book, relieved to read that Tart’s wish had come true after all. Yachiyo nods in agreement and remembers what Cube had said. If what he said was true, then they will be forgetting about everyone soon. Yachiyo says she’ll miss them with a sad look on her face. Iroha suddenly notices something in the old book and points at one of the pictures.

The two girls look closely and can’t believe what they’re seeing. There in the portrait is Yachiyo and Iroha wearing their Magical Girl outfits and standing alongside Jeanne d’Arc. Yachiyo says it must be because of what happened when they were named fellow Holy Maidens. Tart must have remembered what happened in the dream and told someone about it. Yachiyo hopes no one else will realize it’s them as Iroha calls it somewhat embarrassing.

Later that day, Yachiyo is at Mitama’s shop and is relating to her everything that had happened. Mitama shakes her head and apologizes for what happened, offering to take back the candles and book and properly disposing of them. She had never realized what an awful spell she was teaching to others. Iroha assures her that the spell itself was harmless and puts all of the blame on the antique candles. Mitama is relieved to hear that and tells them that the spell had become widespread in France during Jeanne d’Arc’s era. She shrugs and figures it was just some little spell that had been passed down since then. Hearing that the spell came from Jeanne d’Arc’s era, the two ponder the possibility that it was Melissa who had spread the spell after learning it from Iroha in the dream. Iroha thinks it may be possible since there was a picture of them in that history book. Yachiyo thinks the use of red and blue candles for the sleep spell was too specific and couldn’t’ have been a coincidence. Iroha wonders if they were the ones that came up with the custom of using those kinds of candles. At this point Iroha feels so confused: if the spell they shared with Melissa became widespread during Tart’s era, and if that’s how Mitama learned of it and then later taught it to them, and they were the ones to teach it to Melissa, then where did the spell come from? Iroha’s head begins to spin from trying to figure it out. Yachiyo points out that the grimoire never mentioned how to set up the candles, so the spell that no one came up with just circled around and around. Yachiyo wonders if they were so preoccupied with making sure history was fixed, even though it worked out in the end maybe it was meant to work out no matter what. Cube had said something of the kind too. He had mentioned that there was the possibility that they were fated to save France. Iroha says the picture is proof that they changed history, but Yachiyo isn’t so sure about that. The picture could have existed before they ever lit those candles and maybe they just never noticed. Either way, she doesn’t see a point in wondering about something they’ll never know. Mitama just smiles at them confused.

Fin

....A mysterious Magical Girl watches Tart from afar. "So this is the 'Pucelle' I've heard so much about."

La suivre (To be continued)

Locations

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Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story: Magia Record Events (2018) edit

New Year’s at Mizuna Shrine ・ Mitama's Special Training - Iroha and Yachiyo Episode ・ A la Carte Valentine ・ The Maiden of Hope ・ Mitama's Special Training - Alina and Hinano Episode ・ See You Tomorrow ・ Wait, You Got It Wrong! ・ Mitama's Photography Meet! ・ FM Kamihama Holy Radio Station (Holy Radio Wave Broadcast Station) ・ Mitama's Special Training - Mitama Episode ・ "I'm always the star!" ・ Cross Connection ・ Voices From Beyond ・ Mitama's Special Training - Rumor Tsuruno Episode ・ Breakpoint ・ 300 Day Login Event: A Peaceful Day in Mikazuki Villa ・ Let's See What You're Maid Of ・ Mitama's Special Training - Homura Episode ・ Beachside Bonds ・ Mitama's Special Training - Felicia Episode ・ Summer With Mikazuki Villa ・ First Anniversary Special Scenes ・ Hereafter ・ Mitama's Special Training - Kaede Episode ・ It's Okay to Be Clumsy ・ We Invite You to a Delightful Halloween! ・ Nagisa's Wish ・ Kamihama Cheese Panic! ・ Wings in the Wind ・ Alina Is Comin’ to Town