Magia Record Story The Chiming Bell that Transcends Time

The following is a summary posted on 4chan's /pmmm/ general by Summary Anon.

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 Minami 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 ok 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 ok, 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 ok 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 ok 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.

Part 2

The following is a summary posted on 4chan's /pmmm/ general by Summary Anon.

Iroha and Yachiyo join Tart and her band of French soldiers to liberate France. They make good progress and lands they've liberate have had light returned to them. The PM note warily that Tart sewed her own flag with Cube on it to let more people see the angel. Throughout the battles, the pair note that Tart is humble and kind, getting along with people easily and conclude that is why she is so popular.

After capturing a fort, Riz had some time to talk with the pair and agreed with their observation on Tart's charm. She let it slip that even though they are not in the real world, Tart's personality is real. Yachiyo questions her on this slip, but Riz is reluctant to share more for unspeakable reasons and promises to tell the truth after the whole thing is over. She does tell them that they are not wrong in the first place in deducting that this is a dream, just not theirs. Yachiyo decides not to push it, but tells Riz that her scolding is what let the pair decide to help Tart and hope she will stop hiding secrets from them from now on. After a few pauses, Riz asks them about the candles they used to visit France, and after Iroha's telling of the red and blue candles, Riz confirms that they are from the future and tell them that if anything happens to her, or if they need help, they should pray at the church of Saint Catherine and they will receive help. After this reveal, Riz went back to scouting, although Iroha and Yachiyo agreed that Riz has her reasons to hide what she knows, but she trusts them enough to reveal about the church. The two then wake up.

Back home, the pair wondered why they can regroup with Tart so conveniently every time they visit France, and realize that they both see a guiding light every time they enter sleep and before waking into France. As expected, they are back with Tart, but are informed that Riz has not been heard of for a day. Tart is relaxed when she heard that Iroha and Yachiyo have seen her before since it is not unusual for Riz to head off scouting, though it is if she did not inform anyone beforehand. The army has to leave her behind since they have to begin the march.

At the next fort, the enemy PM Corbeau appears and is disappointed Riz is nowhere to be found. She decides to brutalize Tart until Riz whom she cares for her appears. The trio are having a hard time with Corbeau, and Melissa asks Cube if her turning into a PM can help, in which the latter replies that it depends on her. Before the conversation can continue though, Riz returns to interrupt and joins the fray. They are able to beat Corbeau, but she took advantage of Tart being weak due to her magic draining magia to take a cheap shot at her. Riz takes the bullet and melts into shadows which broke Tart's spirit. France reverts back to the darkness and Tart is captured, so it feels like a defeat to the French army despite taking the territory.

Yachiyo, Iroha, Melissa and Cube note the diminishing moral of the army and the crown prince due to the capture of Tart and the reverting back into darkness. Yachiyo discusses the situation with Cube and mentions that Riz once mentioned that they might be in a dream, just not theirs. Digesting the information, Cube announces that he has solved the riddle: They are indeed in a dream, Tart's.

Cube explains that the fact that the world goes back to darkness after Tart broke upon witnessing Riz's death and that the pair can communicate with ease in France despite both sides not knowing each other's language is good enough evidence that this is Tart's dream. They are all trapped in it. Yachiyo questions how does the dream of Tart affect the future.

He answers that he has to first take back what he said about this being the past of Yachiyo and Iroha's time. This is a dream of Tart who is indeed a historical figure of Yachiyo's time. Cube explains that emotional damage suffered from nightmares will taint the soul gem of Puella Magi and can turn them into a witch. If this happens, then history will be changed since Tart will not be able to lead the liberation and the darkness in Kamihama is hints of what may come if Tart turns into a witch. The only way to stop this is to wake Tart up from the dream and relieve her from despair. Yachiyo ask if she can trust Cube on this, and he answers that what is happening is of demerit to them, so she can expect his 100% full cooperation. The pair wake up after this conversation.

Returning home, the pair realize that neither Felicia nor Sana is at home. After checking out the city, they realize the situation has worsened: the pair are the only one left in the city. Iroha panics on what to do, but she is gently reminded by Yachiyo that she is the leader, and this calms her down. They decide that the best course of action is to investigate the candles which connect them to Tart, and make a visit to Mitama's shop.

Searching around the shop without the keeper, they find a Latin tome as old as the candles, and bring it home. Yachiyo painstakingly decodes the tome and realize it is a black magic tome written by Corbeau. It teaches a curse which traps a person into a dream they cannot wake up from inside a witch's barrier. The candles are used to enter the dream of the victim, and the reason why the pair can visit Tart's dream is because the candles contain locks of hair from Tart. They realize that Corbeau mass produced the candles using resources from the English and planned to eliminate Tart using this method. These relics are passed down from the time of Tart and Mitama just happen to get her hands on them, leading to this mess. Unfortunately, the Latin used to write the book is too deep and old for Yachiyo to read further, so they decided to try and bring it back to the dream by hugging it close and getting Cube to read it. They go back to sleep and attempt to head back to the dream.

Iroha wakes up in darkness and only manages to regroup with Yachiyo through finding each other by the direction of their telepathic voice. They tried calling out for help and managed to get hold of Melissa, and using her voice as a signal manage to find their way back to the dream.

The tome manages to follow them back into the dream and they share their findings with Cube and Melissa. After reading the tome, Cube praises Yachiyo for her correct reading of the tome and explains that even he could not detect that he is in a dream since the memories of what happened in the real world before entering the dream does link up. This is the same for everyone. From the tome, Cube shares that the caster can make use of the barrier to create familiars and enemies taken from the minds of those in the dream, which explains the presence of the Kamihama witches and familiars. Iroha wonder if they are the cause for the screw up, but Cube consoles her by saying that the situation was already bad even before they join in, so they are but the last straw that broke the camel's back. Besides, their appearance is also valuable since the French side lack PM, and they might be just the ace that can turn the tide. Cube further shares that the tome also records that ringing the holy bell is the only way to lift the curse, but details are blurred out since the book is old. Melissa suggested that the bell might be inside a church, and the pair remembered Riz telling them to seek the church of St. Catherine if they need help. Melissa knows of one and leads them to the church.

Arriving at the church, the pair follow Riz's advice and pray, and their call for aid is answered by Pernelle, an Alchemist and Puella Magi. She explains that she is locked outside the dream and can provide only advice. She reveal to them that Tart was cursed in the streets of Orleans as she prepared for the siege, and the bell is located at the chapel in Orleans. They need to have Tart ring it to wake herself up, but she also needs to wake up from despair as well.

Pernelle informs the group that Riz is well and alive. She was not in the range of the curse since she happened to be scouting and manage to steal a candle from the enemy to enter Tart's dream to rescue her. Thus, her reason for sudden disappearance is same as the pair's: she is returning to reality. Pernelle further explains that the barrier forbids anyone from telling about the tome and candles, and anyone breaking it will have their bodies be swallowed by shadows from the barrier. Iroha and Yachiyo are exempted since they are from the future.

Riz has already recovered from her serious but not lethal wounds, but she is currently lost inbetween dream and reality, and she needs Tart's light to guide her back. Yachiyo notes that this is the same situation she and Iroha were in when they returned. Pernelle gives them a sword for Tart which will act as a beacon to light Riz's way. The group is set to rescue both Tart and Riz.

Yachiyo shares the whole story with La Hire and Gilles whom accept the whole fiasco and agree without hesitation to help. They set off the next morning to the fort where Tart is to help with their army with little assistance from Dauphin Charles who still has not recovered.

They are met with familiars at the fort which Yachiyo and Iroha handle with ease. Together with the French army, they are able to break their defense, but are faced with another Kamihama witch. They pair deal with the witch while the competent French army handled the familiars. The army held off the familiars after the witch is defeated to cover for Yachiyo, Iroha and Melissa's storming of the dungeon to rescue Tart.

They find Tart who is still trying to recover from Riz's death. After informing her of the truth, she lit up like the sun and accepts the sword from Pernelle, finally guiding Riz back and lighting up France again. The French win the day, and prepare for the next move.

Back at camp, Riz apologizes to Yachiyo and Iroha for hiding the truth due to the restrictions. The pair understood her reasons and her desire to rescue Tart and told her they don't mind. Riz then proceeds to thank the pair for all they have done, making Iroha flustered while Yachiyo tells Riz that they just have luck on their side. It is decided that the army will begin their assault on Orleans to let Tart ring the bell and bring an end to the dream. Cube informs them that they will all slowly lose memory of the event and eventually think of it as a dream since everything is fixed. Yachiyo notes that it is because history and what is happening does not match. While Tart and Melissa are a little saddened by the fact, Riz is much more positive, saying that it will end on a good note since they will be continuing the good fight for the future. Yachiyo agrees with Riz, and the group promises to continue to fight for a better future even after they return to their original time and place.

It is decided that Tart should aim for the chapel while the others buy her time. They are then attacked from the back as Corbeau brings along her familiars. Yachiyo and Riz quickly rearrange their plan: Iroha and Tart will head to the chapel while they hold Corbeau off. She blocks the way by summoning more familiars before Tart and Iroha can move, and thus the battle is joined. Tart and Riz stand back to back and announce they will not give up, and this time will fight side by side as equals.

Yachiyo has the upper hand against Corbeau and gives her a smackdown for her life, with her baffled by Yachiyo's experience in combat and being mocked for losing breathe. Riz joins in and smacks Corbeau even harder, finally opening a way for Tart and Iroha to enter Orleans. Once again, Corbeau summons reinforcements which block the way again, and Tart cannot use her magia as it will cause civilian damage. The French army once again show their might as they press the familiars back, only for Corbeau to summon even more lackeys. Cube explains that the familiars are byproducts of the barrier and Corbeau can summon them at no cost. Dauphin Charles appears with reinforcements and announces that he is here to repay Tart for her kindness and service, and he even tanked an attack from Corbeau without falter. The French army moral had a huge boost and clear the way, breaking the familiar army's defenses. La Hire leads the charge as Dauphin Charles passes the reigns of command to Gilles. The French manage to keep the path open.

Back to the PMs, Corbeau attempts to summon familiars again but is interrupted by Tart, Riz, Yachiyo and Iroha who smack Corbeau around, concluding with Riz binding her with shadows and Tart unleashing her magia onto Corbeau. Lead by Melissa and her dad La Hire, Iroha and Tart are urged to head to the chapel.

Yachiyo and Riz stay behind on purpose as they know Corbeau manage to protect her vitals from Tart's magia, and the battle is joined once again.

The way is cleared by La Hire and his company, and Cube repeats that ringing the bell will wake everyone up and all will eventually fade into a dream. At the bell tower, Tart and Iroha have a final conversation, with the former expressing her joy and gratitude to know the latter. Tart adds that seeing Iroha's will to fight hard for a better future is proof that her own wish is not for naught. She swears that she will not forget about Iroha, Yachiyo, what has happened here, nor her own wish to bring light back to France or the promise to fight for a better future no matter what. Iroha repeats the sentiments, and Tart invites Iroha to ring the bell together. The deed is done, and the bell chimes throughout France.

Melissa is the first to go to sleep (wake up), the next is Corbeau who has been used as a punching bag by Yachiyo and Riz, vowing that she will end the fight in the real world. Yachiyo and Riz wish each other farewell and good luck as they share the same sentiments that it is an honor and pleasure to know each other.

Finally back at the bell, Tart tells Iroha she wants to bid farewell with a smile, and wishes each other all for the best. Everyone wakes up.

Back in Kamihama, Iroha asks Yachiyo about the candles, France, and Tart. After being teased by Yachiyo who pretended to have forgotten everything, she is relieved to know that their memories are still in tact, even for this moment. Felicia and Sana enter and tell them that everything has returned to normal: the people have returned and the sun has risen as usual. Felicia is excited about the steak, and Yachiyo assure her that she remembers and they will go shopping in the evening together to let her choose her steak.

Iroha wonders if Tart managed to achieve her goal, so Yachiyo suggests that she should check out the history books while they still remember the event. The book recorded of Tart and the French's victory in retaking Orleans, and the event in the manga is also shown (Melissa becoming a PM since her dad and Tart took the bullet for her, eventually beating Corbeau). Iroha is relieved and happy for Tart's victory, though they are caught by dismay that they are also recorded in the book in an illustration named Holy Maiden. They remembered it is back when Gilles announced that they are Holy Maidens along with Tart and felt a little embarrassed, though Yachiyo also notes it should be fine since nobody will notice it other than themselves. Overall, they are happy that Tart remembered them.

They shared the tale of how humanity almost went extinct with Mitama who apologizes for the troubles caused and promises to get rid of the candles and tome. She laments on spreading a disastrous sleeping spell, though Iroha corrected her since the spell is harmless. It is the tome and the candles that are problematic. Mitama is overjoyed since the spell is a popular one back in the times of Jeanne d'Arc and was widely known and popular in France back then.

This caught the pair's attention. The spell was brought to the dream by them, and they taught it to Melissa. It is possible that she remembered it even after waking up and shared it with others which caused it to spread and eventually pass down to Mitama. What is more alarming is that their portraits are also passed down and the information on the candles are way too detailed. Iroha is confused by everything, so Yachiyo arranges the clues together and arriving to the conclusion that it might be a closed time loop. The causing and solving of the event is predetermined and they have played a part in it and passing down of the spell. Yachiyo remembers back on how Cube deducted that Yachiyo and Iroha might also be saviors of France, and wondered if their records in France have existed even before the event has occur, just that they never knew before hand.

The more they think of it, the creepier it gets, so they agree that the discussion should stop there. Then the memoria of the trio flashes on the screen, which is part of an old archive.

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  Background image of the event map

Memoria Images

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